A homeless man’s fatal 15-story plunge from a Times Square hotel has investigators piecing together his final moments after witnesses reported hearing cries for someone to “come back” just before the tragedy.
At a Glance
- Emmanuel Velez, 39, fell to his death from the 15th floor of a Times Square hotel on April 6
- His body was discovered on the roof of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School at 120 West 46th St.
- Hotel guests reported hearing shouting and a woman crying “come back” before the incident
- A red-haired woman was questioned by police, but no arrests have been made
- Authorities have determined the fall was accidental, not a homicide
Mystery Surrounds Early Morning Hotel Death
The death of 39-year-old Emmanuel Velez, described as homeless by authorities, has raised questions after his body was found on the roof of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School near Times Square on the morning of April 6. First responders discovered Velez unresponsive shortly before 6:30 am, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators determined he had fallen from the 15th floor of a hotel on West 45th Street near Seventh Avenue, where rooms typically cost around $279 per night, raising questions about how Velez came to be staying at the location.
Multiple hotel guests reported hearing disturbing sounds from Velez’s room prior to the incident. An Italian tourist identified only as Davide told reporters he was awakened by shouting, followed by a woman’s voice calling for someone to “come back.” Another guest, Anna Katsrarou from Germany, described hearing a loud bump, followed by intense crying and a crashing sound. These witness accounts have become critical to the investigation as authorities work to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to Velez’s death.
Woman Questioned But No Arrests
Following the incident, police took a red-haired woman into custody for questioning regarding her potential connection to Velez’s death. While details about her relationship to Velez remain unclear, investigators have concluded that Velez was not pushed from the window. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, suggesting authorities believe the death was accidental rather than the result of foul play. Attempts to contact Velez’s family for comment have been unsuccessful, further complicating efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding his presence at the hotel.
The mysterious circumstances have drawn attention from local residents and tourists alike in the bustling Times Square area. The hotel, located in one of New York City’s most heavily trafficked tourist districts, has not released an official statement regarding the incident. Security measures at the property, including window safety protocols for high-floor rooms, may come under scrutiny as the investigation continues into how Velez was able to exit through the window from such a significant height.
Witness Describes Emotional Aftermath
The moments following Velez’s fall paint a picture of confusion and distress among other hotel guests. Anna Katsrarou’s account provides a particularly vivid description of the emotional aftermath. “Then someone was crying, ‘Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,’ and then I heard police,” she told reporters. This description suggests someone – potentially the woman who was later questioned – was present and witnessed Velez’s fall, adding another layer to the investigation as police work to determine exactly who was in the room with Velez and what transpired before he went out the window.
The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death, though the fall itself appears to be the primary factor. Questions remain about Velez’s housing status and how a reportedly homeless individual secured accommodations at a mid-range Times Square hotel. Local homeless advocacy groups have not issued statements regarding Velez or his known history within the city’s shelter system, leaving a gap in understanding his personal circumstances prior to the tragic incident.
