Louisiana Teen Dies in Fall Inside Derelict New Orleans Skyscraper

A 17-year-old from Belle Chasse, Louisiana, died on

A 17-year-old from Belle Chasse, Louisiana, died on Sunday after falling down an interior stairwell of the abandoned Plaza Tower in downtown New Orleans, according to police. The incident occurred during an unauthorized visit to the 45-story building, which has been vacant for decades and is sealed off with fencing.

The teen, identified as Jacque St Ann, had entered the tower with friends, who told investigators they had pried open a barrier to get inside. As the group was making their way down a dark staircase, St Ann lost his footing and plunged several floors. His companions called 911 after finding him unresponsive at the bottom of the stairwell.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the call and pronounced St Ann dead. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office is expected to release an official cause of death, but police have stated that the fall appears to be accidental. No foul play is suspected.

The Plaza Tower, located in the city's central

The Plaza Tower, located in the city's central business district, has remained a conspicuous eyesore for nearly two decades, its windows shattered and its facade deteriorating. Despite being fenced off, the building has become a magnet for urban explorers and vandals, with multiple break-ins reported over the years.

This tragedy has renewed calls for city officials to either secure or demolish the structure. Mayor LaToya Cantrell's office expressed condolences to the family and said they are reviewing options to address the property, which has been the subject of numerous code enforcement violations.

St Ann was a junior at a local high school in Belle Chasse, where he was remembered by classmates as an adventurous and kind-hearted student. A memorial has been set up at the school, and grief counselors are being made available to students and staff.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by abandoned buildings, which often lack basic safety measures like lighting, railings, and stable flooring. Authorities are urging parents to talk to their children about the risks of urban exploration and trespassing in such structures.