By Benjamin Fearnow and Wil Cruz
DNAinfo Staff
CHELSEA — A 62-year-old man fell to his death from a Chelsea rooftop early Tuesday in an apparent suicide, police said.
The unidentified victim plunged 21 stories from the rooftop of 290 Ninth Ave., which is part of the Penn South Housing complex, just after 3:30 a.m., police and fire officials said.
Cops at the scene said the man called 911 prior to jumping.
The man, who lived in the area, was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The medical examiner removed his body at 11:45 a.m.
It was not immediately clear how he gained access to the residential building.
"You don't need a key for roof access, but if you push it, an alarm will sound that notifies the administration office down the street," said Rosalyn Kurland, a resident of the complex.
A police source said the complex, which is owned by Mutual Redevelopment Housing, Inc., has shared entry points to the buildings and their roofs.
Police do not suspect foul play, but an investigation is ongoing.
"This is so sad, and I know there have been a few other jumpers in the decade that I've lived here," resident Marion Goodman said.
Officials with Penn South Housing and Mutual Redevelopment Housing, Inc., declined comment.
