An unknown 34-year-old man jumped out of the Whitney Museum shortly before the museum was closed, a person familiar with the matter said.
While the museum has not made public comments, Whitney director Scott Rothkopf informed staff via email that night.
“I wrote to share the latest news about the events that took place at the museum shortly before the museum closed tonight,” he wrote in the email. Artnews. “Authors have confirmed that a man jumped from Whitney property to the square below and suffered a crushing defeat.”
A New York Police Department spokesman confirmed Wednesday night that on 5:26 PM, a 911 call from 99 Gansevoort Street, police observed a “unconscious and unresponsive” man on the sidewalk, “injured, indicating falling from a raised position.” Emergency medical services announced the man died at the scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death and an investigation is underway.
Rothkopf said in his email that the museum will open at 12 p.m. on Thursday, “to allow our colleagues to handle it in their own way.”
Rothkopf wrote to staff: “It’s something that has a deep exposure to our community. This is a time like this that will make a difference for each of us.” “Please take care of yourself and each other and know that there is support if you need it. OPC is working hard to provide resources tomorrow and in the future.”
A Whitney spokesman did not respond to a request for comment at press time.
