Post by : Meena Ariff

Authorities have reported the death of a 19-year-old woman who fell from the roof of a five-story derelict building in Atlanta, Georgia, famously featured in Netflix's hit series Stranger Things.

The heartbreaking incident took place just before 1 am on December 19 at the Briarcliff campus of Emory University. The building, referred to as Building A, was once part of the Georgia Mental Health Institute and has also been showcased in the series The Vampire Diaries. Despite its cinematic allure, officials warn that the site is extremely unsafe and is marked as off-limits to the public.

The victim has been identified as Leah Palmirotto. Law enforcement indicates that she ventured onto the restricted property with friends by climbing over a chain-link fence. The area was clearly marked with several “No Trespassing” signs and had been closed to public entry.

According to police reports, Leah and her friends entered the abandoned space out of curiosity. Authorities believe she might have lost her footing or stepped onto a fragile section of the dilapidated building, leading to her fatal fall.

Constructed in the 1960s, the building was taken over by Emory University in the 1990s. While demolition plans were announced in 2022 to pave the way for a senior living community, the structure remains in disrepair and is currently unused. Officials have consistently labeled it hazardous due to unstable floors, poor visibility, hidden drop-offs, and considerable structural disrepair.

In recent years, the site gained attention from fans after appearing as Hawkins National Laboratory in Stranger Things. Its old, dilapidated look has made it an enticing filming location but also raised the concerns regarding unauthorized access.

Leah's father, Todd Palmirotto Jr., mournfully described her as an adventurous and lively spirit. He expressed his wish that his daughter’s passing was instantaneous and cautioned others to steer clear of abandoned or off-limits areas, highlighting the real dangers they pose.

The investigation into Leah Palmirotto’s death is still ongoing, led by the Emory University police.

#Global News #Entertainment News