[UPDATE BELOW] An unidentified man was found dead outside the Pod 39 Hotel in Manhattan today. An NYPD spokesman says an Hispanic male was found dead on 39th Street at approximately 1:12 p.m. and was pronounced DOA "with injuries consistent to a fall from a high point." The FDNY confirmed the death, but could not provide any additional details.
A spokesperson for the Pod 39 Hotel, located at 145 East 39th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue, had no immediate comment on the fatality.
One tipster who works on the block says that as of 3:15 p.m. the street was still closed to vehicular traffic, and adds via email: "I spoke to the guy at the deli across the street who indicated that it happened around 12:45 p.m. and that several people were in the vicinity when it took place. He thought it took abnormally long for authorities to come and cover the body." Hotel workers were also heard discussing the man's fatal jump.
We'll update as more information becomes available.
Update 4:47 p.m.: A police source tells the Post the man is believed to have committed suicide by jumping from the hotel. And a deliveryman adds, "I was loading up packages for one of the buildings with my back against the whole scene. All I heard was the sound of the guy hitting the pavement. That’s not something you ever want to hear. A guy almost got hit by the body falling. This guy had to jump out of the way from the falling body."
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
