Man Found Dead At Santa Monica High-Rise, Police Say

SANTA MONICA, CA — A man was found dead Friday on a construction balcony at a 17-story Santa Monica residential building, authorities confirmed to Patch.

Santa Monica police and fire personnel responded to the 1100 block of 7th Street for a death investigation, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

The person, described by Santa Monica police Lt. Lewis Gilmour as an elderly man, was found on a sixth-floor construction balcony at Westminster Tower and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said preliminary information indicated the death was an apparent suicide and was not related to criminal activity. Authorities said there was no threat to the public.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death. The man's identity was not released pending notification of his next of kin.

Westminster Tower, a 17-story residential building on 7th Street, is undergoing significant exterior renovation work, an employee of the building's owner confirmed to Patch.

Police initially closed 7th Street between Wilshire Boulevard and Washington Avenue while personnel investigated and asked drivers to avoid the area.

Patch confirmed that the portion of 7th Street between Wilshire Boulevard and California Avenue was not closed for very long on Friday. A funeral service for a Los Angeles Fire Department member who died while off duty was taking place nearby at St. Monica Catholic Church.

Anyone experiencing emotional distress or concerned about someone who may be in crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support.