An unidentified 34-year-old man died after jumping from the Whitney Museum on Wednesday evening, shortly before the museum closed, according to a source with knowledge of the incident.
While the museum has not commented publicly, Whitney director Scott Rothkopf informed staff of the event via email that evening.
“I write to share an update regarding an incident that occurred at the Museum this evening, shortly before the museum closed,” he wrote in that email, which was obtained by ARTnews. “Authorities have confirmed that an individual jumped from Whitney property onto the plaza below and tragically lost their life.”
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A New York Police Department spokesperson confirmed Wednesday evening that officers responded to a 911 call at 99 Gansevoort Street at 5:26 p.m. Upon arrival, police observed an “unconscious and unresponsive” man on the sidewalk with “injuries indicative of falling from an elevated position.” Emergency medical services pronounced the man dead at the scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, and an investigation is ongoing.
In his email, Rothkopf said that the museum would open at 12 p.m. on Thursday, “to allow time for our colleagues to process in their own way.”
“This is something that deeply touches our community. Moments like this can affect each of us differently,” Rothkopf wrote to staff. “Please take care of yourselves and one another and know that support is available if you need it. OPC is working to provide resources tomorrow and in the days ahead.”
In an emailed statement, a Whitney spokesperson said, “Authorities are still determining the details, but we are devastated that a visitor lost their life. Our thoughts are with their family and friends, and with our staff, visitors and neighbors who were nearby when it occurred. We are in close contact with the authorities and assisting in any way we can.”
Editor’s Note, 7/31/2025: This article has been updated with a statement from the Whitney Museum.