Tragedy as Man Jumps to His Death from Whitney Museum in Manhattan

A 34-year-old man died by suicide after jumping from the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 30.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the man—whose identity has not yet been released—was discovered on Gansevoort Street outside the Chelsea-based museum just before 5:30 p.m. Authorities reported that he sustained injuries consistent with a fall from a significant height.

Emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

Preliminary findings suggest the man, a visitor at the museum, leapt from an elevated platform within the building. The Whitney Museum confirmed his visitor status and expressed sorrow over the tragic event.

“We are devastated that a visitor lost their life,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as with our staff, visitors, and neighbors who witnessed the incident. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and providing assistance where needed.”

The museum also announced that it would operate on a delayed schedule, opening at 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 31.

Authorities say an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.