Person found dead on steps of City Hall after jumping from 26th floor, internal memo says
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A person was found dead on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall on Wednesday afternoon after apparently jumping from the 26th floor of the building, according to an internal city message reviewed by The Times.
The victim was identified as Avery Truesdale, 19, by the L.A. County medical examiner’s office, and the death was ruled a suicide. No further details were provided by the mayor’s office or the Los Angeles Police Department about whether Truesdale was a city employee or a visitor.
The suicide was reported by the Security Services Division of the LAPD, according to the memo.
Authorities responded to the Spring Street steps at City Hall at around 4:15 p.m., where the victim was found dead. An investigation “revealed the subject had jumped from the 26th floor tower,” the message said.
By 7 p.m. Wednesday, first responders and coroner’s officials had left City Hall, where yellow crime scene tape cordoned off the Spring Street steps, fluttering in the wind.
A police officer, who asked not to be named, said he was on the other side of the building when the incident occurred. He said he counseled another officer on how to cope with what he had witnessed.
“It’s pretty heavy,” he said, adding that he recommended that the officer who saw the body take a day off.
A cellphone and jacket that were found in the tower were believed to be the property of the victim, according to the message.
The memo said there was no evidence of foul play and that Security Services was in charge of the investigation.
The Security Services Division referred The Times to the police, who provided only basic details of the incident and the subsequent police response.
“This is absolutely devastating,” read a statement from Mayor Karen Bass. “My heart is with the victim’s family and all who have been impacted by this tragedy. For anyone struggling, please know that you are NEVER alone. If you are in a crisis, call or text 988.”
Times staff writer Noah Goldberg contributed to this report.
Suicide prevention and crisis counseling resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek help from a professional or call 988. The nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline will connect callers with trained mental health counselors. Or text “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Crisis Text Line.
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