Teen’s Deadly Fall Inside NOLA’s Abandoned Plaza Tower
Teen Dies After Fall in Abandoned New Orleans Skyscraper: What Happened and Why It Matters
The Tragic Incident
Early Saturday morning, a terrible accident happened in Downtown New Orleans. A 17-year-old boy from Belle Chasse lost his life after falling inside an old, empty skyscraper called Plaza Tower.
Important Point
This was not a playground or an adventure park. It was a dangerous, crumbling building that has been empty for nearly 20 years.
How It Happened: Step by Step
- Friday Night – A group of teenagers from Plaquemines Parish (the exact number isn’t known) decided to sneak into the building.
- Midnight – They broke into the fenced-off property. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick called it "a little urban exploring" — but it went horribly wrong.
- Climbing Up – The teens climbed an interior staircase that had no safety railings to a "higher floor" in the 45-story building.
- The Fall – The 17-year-old fell from the stairwell. We don’t know exactly which floor yet.
- 12:04 AM Saturday – Someone called 911 for help.
- Emergency Response – EMS arrived and found:
- One teen dead at the scene
- Another teen hospitalized with deep cuts to arm and wrist
- Alcohol Involved – Police confirmed some teens had been drinking, and all were underage.
About the Building: Plaza Tower
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1001 Howard Ave, New Orleans |
| Age | 58 years old |
| Height | 45 floors |
| Status | Abandoned since before Hurricane Katrina (2005) |
| Condition | Severe disrepair; top wrapped in netting to catch falling debris |
| Ownership | Previously owned by Joe Jaeger’s estate; Lincoln Area Properties signed purchase agreement in July 2025 but hasn’t closed financing |
| Planned Future | Conversion to senior housing apartments |
Important Point
The building is private property, fenced off, and not safe for anyone to enter — especially without railings, proper floors, or lighting.
What Officials Are Saying
Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick (NOPD)
- Called it a trespassing incident — charges possible later
- Said every one of those kids is traumatized
- Confirmed owners should have on-site security — but "the kids got in," so it clearly wasn’t working
- Said building owners might face criminal charges — "possibly… we’ll look at that later"
Michael Harrison (Former NOPD Chief, Now Deputy Mayor for Public Safety)
- Called it a "truly tragic incident"
- Stressed: "No one — adults or kids — should be entering this abandoned building."
- Said: "It is the owners’ responsibility to make sure this abandoned building is secure."
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
- Urban exploring (or "urbex") might sound cool on social media — but abandoned buildings are death traps
- Property owners have a legal duty to secure dangerous sites
- Underage drinking + unsafe buildings = preventable tragedy
- This building has been a known hazard for nearly two decades
Summary
A 17-year-old boy died after falling inside the long-abandoned Plaza Tower in New Orleans. He and other teens broke in late at night, some had been drinking, and they climbed a railing-less stairwell in a crumbling 45-story building. One teen died, another was badly hurt. Police say trespassing charges are likely. The building’s owners may also face charges for failing to secure the property. Officials stress: this building is not safe — no one should go inside.
FAQ
What is "urban exploring"?
Urban exploring (urbex) is when people sneak into abandoned or off-limits places like old buildings, tunnels, or factories to explore and take photos. It’s often illegal and very dangerous.
Why was the building still standing if it’s so unsafe?
The building has changed owners multiple times. The latest buyer (Lincoln Area Properties) wants to turn it into senior housing but hasn’t finished buying it or fixing it up. Meanwhile, it sits rotting.
Can the building owners really be charged?
Yes. Property owners have a legal responsibility to secure dangerous conditions — especially when they know people might try to get in. If they failed to do that, they could face criminal charges.
Were the teens charged with anything?
Not yet. Police said trespassing charges are "appropriate" but will be addressed later. Right now, the focus is on the investigation and the families.
How can something like this be prevented?
- Better fencing, locks, and security at abandoned sites
- Parents talking to teens about the real dangers of "exploring" ruins
- Faster action by the city to force owners to secure or demolish hazardous buildings
- No alcohol — it impairs judgment and balance, especially in dark, broken places
Stay safe. Curiosity isn’t worth your life.