US Teen Dies After Falling From Abandoned Building Featured In Stranger Things

A 19-year-old woman dies after falling from the roof of an abandoned five-storey building in Atlanta, Georgia, a structure widely known for being used as a filming location for the Netflix series Stranger Things, authorities said.

The incident occurred shortly before 1 am on December 19 at Emory University’s Briarcliff campus, where the derelict building is located.

What Happened

According to police, the teenager, identified as Leah Palmirotto, entered the restricted property with friends after allegedly climbing over a chain-link fence marked with “No Trespassing” signs. The building was closed to the public and considered unsafe.

Friends told investigators that the group had entered the abandoned structure out of curiosity.

Leah reportedly fell from the roof of the building under unclear circumstances. Investigators believe she may have slipped in the dark, lost her footing, or stepped onto a structurally weak section of the deteriorated building.

About The Building

The structure, known as Building A, was originally constructed in the 1960s as part of the Georgia Mental Health Institute, a former psychiatric hospital. Emory University purchased the property in the 1990s, but the building has never been used since and has remained vacant.

Although plans were announced in 2022 to demolish the structure to make way for a senior living facility, the building is still standing.

Authorities describe it as highly dangerous, citing:

• Structural decay
• Unstable floors and hidden drops
• Poor lighting
• Restricted and unsafe access

The site gained public attention in recent years after it was used as Hawkins National Laboratory in Stranger Things, as well as appearing in The Vampire Diaries, due to its eerie, abandoned appearance.

Family Speaks Out

Leah’s father, Todd Palmirotto Jr, described his daughter as adventurous, outgoing, and full of life. Speaking after learning of her death, he expressed shock and heartbreak.

“She was perfect,” he said, adding that he hoped her death was instant and painless. He noted that the loss would be especially difficult for Leah’s two brothers.

Through his grief, he also issued a warning to others about the dangers of entering abandoned or restricted properties, stressing that such locations are unsafe and unpredictable.

Investigation Ongoing

Emory University police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall. Authorities have reiterated that the building was fenced off, clearly marked as restricted, and not intended for public access.

A Tragic Reminder

The incident has renewed concerns about the risks posed by abandoned structures, especially those that attract attention due to their use in popular films and television shows. Officials continue to urge the public to respect safety barriers and avoid entering unsafe or restricted sites.

Related Topics:
World News | US News | Public Safety | Entertainment Locations

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