W. German Airman Leaps to His Death
A deserter from the West German Air Force who apparently was despondent over a break-up with his American girlfriend leaped to his death from the roof of Los Angeles’ second-tallest building, authorities said Tuesday.
The man, identified as Michael Steininger, 21, died on impact with the pavement at 6th and Hope streets during the middle of the afternoon rush hour Monday, police and coroner’s office officials said.
Steininger somehow gained access to the roof of the First Interstate Bank building at 707 Wilshire Blvd. and then jumped 62 stories to his death about 4:05 p.m., Sgt. Ed Wheelis said.
Steininger was identified as a member of the West German Air Force who was absent without leave after being temporarily assigned to a U.S. Air Force base in Texas for training, Riddle said.
He was apparently involved in a relationship with an American woman that ended April 15, coroner’s office investigator Mike Riddle said.
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