Teen Plunges to Death Inside Infamous Abandoned Plaza Tower High-Rise
Teen Tragically Dies After Falling Inside Abandoned New Orleans High-Rise
Important Note: This article discusses a real-life tragedy involving the death of a minor. Reader discretion is advised.
What Happened?
Early Saturday morning (August 15), a 17-year-old boy from Belle Chasse lost his life after falling inside an old, empty skyscraper in Downtown New Orleans called Plaza Tower.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- A group of teenagers from Plaquemines Parish sneaked into the building late Friday night.
- They were doing something called "urban exploring" — going into abandoned places just to look around.
- The building has been empty since before Hurricane Katrina (that’s over 19 years!).
- While climbing a dark, broken staircase without railings, one teen fell and died.
- Another teen was badly hurt — deep cuts on the arm and wrist — and had to go to the hospital.
Where Did This Happen?
Plaza Tower
Address: 1001 Howard Ave, New Orleans, LA
Details:
- 45 floors tall
- 58 years old
- Abandoned since before Hurricane Katrina (2005)
- Fenced off and marked “No Trespassing”
- Top of the building wrapped in safety netting to catch falling pieces
Who Was Involved?
| Person / Group | Role |
|---|---|
| 17-year-old boy | Victim — died at the scene |
| Another teen | Injured — hospitalized with deep lacerations |
| Group of teens | From Plaquemines Parish; exact number unknown |
| NOPD Supt. Anne Kirkpatrick | Police chief who spoke about the incident |
| Michael Harrison | Former police chief, now Deputy Mayor for Public Safety |
| Lincoln Area Properties | Company trying to buy the building (since July 2025) |
| Joe Jaeger’s estate | Previous owner |
Callout: Underage Drinking Involved
Police confirmed some of the teens had been drinking alcohol, even though all were under 21. This may have made the situation even more dangerous.
How Did They Get In?
The building is private property, fenced in, and supposed to have security guards. But somehow, the teens still got inside.
Steps they likely took:
- Approached the fenced-off building late at night (around midnight).
- Found a way past the fence — possibly a broken gate or hole.
- Entered the building through an unlocked or broken door.
- Climbed interior stairs to a high floor — the exact floor isn’t public yet.
- Used a staircase with NO railings — just open space on the sides.
- One teen fell — the fall was fatal.
Important: The police say trespassing charges are likely, but right now, the focus is on the families and the investigation.
Why Is This Building So Dangerous?
Plaza Tower has been falling apart for nearly 20 years. Here’s why it’s a death trap:
- No electricity — pitch black inside at night
- No working elevators
- Staircases missing railings — huge open drops
- Floors may be rotted or collapsed
- Debris, broken glass, exposed rebar
- Top wrapped in netting — pieces still fall off!
Ownership Mess:
- Joe Jaeger owned it until recently.
- Lincoln Area Properties agreed to buy it in July 2025 to turn it into senior housing apartments.
- But they haven’t finished paying — so the sale isn’t final.
- Who’s responsible for security right now? Unclear.
What Are Officials Saying?
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick:
“This was an intrusion into a fenced-in area… Every single one of those kids is traumatized right now.”
She also said:
- The building should have had security guards.
- But “the kids got in,” so maybe security wasn’t there.
- Owners might face criminal charges — “We’ll look at that later.”
Michael Harrison (Deputy Mayor for Public Safety):
“No one — adults or kids — should be entering this abandoned building.”
“It is the owners’ responsibility to make sure this abandoned building is secure.”
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| What | Teen died falling in abandoned high-rise |
| Where | Plaza Tower, 1001 Howard Ave, New Orleans |
| When | Early Saturday, August 15 (12:04 AM 911 call) |
| Who | Group of underage teens from Plaquemines Parish |
| Why | “Urban exploring” — some had been drinking |
| Building Condition | Empty since pre-Katrina; no railings, dark, crumbling |
| Legal | Trespassing likely; owners may face charges |
| Future Plan | Lincoln Area Properties wants to convert to senior housing — but deal not closed |
FAQ
What is “urban exploring”?
It’s when people go into abandoned or off-limits buildings, tunnels, or roofs just to explore or take photos. It’s illegal if you don’t have permission — and very dangerous.
Why wasn’t the building sealed better?
Good question. The city says it’s private property, so the owner is responsible for fences, locks, and security. But the owner changed recently, and the new buyer hasn’t officially taken over yet.
Can the building owners really be charged?
Possibly. If they knew kids were getting in and didn’t fix the fence or hire guards, they could face charges like negligence or failure to secure a dangerous property. Police are still deciding.
What happens to the other teens?
They’re traumatized, says the police chief. They may face trespassing charges, but right now, the focus is on support and investigation.
Is the building going to be torn down?
Not yet. The plan is to renovate it into senior apartments — but only if the buyer (Lincoln Area Properties) gets the money and permits. Until then, it stays a dangerous ruin.
Final Thought
This didn’t have to happen.
A 17-year-old’s life ended in a dark, broken stairwell — in a building that should’ve been locked tight.
Abandoned buildings are not playgrounds. They’re graveyards waiting to happen.
Stay safe. Stay out. Stay alive.