Disabled Man Plunges To His Death At Palisades Center Mall


A 54-year-old mentally disabled man accidentally plummeted to his death from the third floor escalator to the first floor at the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack, NY. The man died upon impact, according to the Journal News.

The man, who lived at The Haverstraw group home and was on an outing with three other residents and an aid. As reported by the Journal News, their trip to the mall is one of their daily outings for the residents. They have gone there many times.

Around 10:20 a.m. on Thursday morning, the man was standing at the waist-high railing when he fell approximately 30 feet, as shoppers watched in horror. Shoppers and employees shared their thoughts about the incident and the 3-foot railings surrounding the area where the man fell, as reported by CBS New York.

“They are not that good. You know, it’s pretty dangerous,” says Joe Cohen.

“I just saw the body on the floor. It’s sad that it happened,” recalls Daniel.

“I hate to be the guy’s family. It’s like any regular day. You just come and shop, and something happens,” states Danny Silva.

According to CBS New York, there have been many falls from that location in the mall, however, those were all suicides. This was a complete unfortunate accident.

The man’s identity is being withheld at this point until the family is notified.

The New York Foundling, who funds the group home issued a statement as reported by the Journal News.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a beloved member of our community and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. The safety of the individuals in our care is paramount and we are doing everything we can to help determine what led to this terrible accident.

“Grief counselors are being made available to our staff and clients to provide support during this difficult time,” the agency added. “We are grateful to those who have reached out to offer their support and sympathy.”

John Murphy who is a volunteer with Camp Venture and a “longtime advocate for people with disability and mental illness” was hit hard by the news of this man’s unfortunate and untimely death, as reported by Journal News.

“These folks are among God’s most innocent creatures…. We work so hard to make the public appreciate the value of their lives. When we lose them it’s a super, super loss.”

[Photo Credit: 7online.com]

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