WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — An Inwood man died after plunging from the top of a Fort Tryon Park boulder he had climbed.
Carlos Garcia, 23, had reached the summit of the 20-foot rock near the park's Arden Street entrance on June 29 when he apparently slipped, hitting his head and suffering “multiple blunt impact wounds,” according to officials.
He died shortly after, according to a spokeswoman from the Office of the Medical Examiner.
Law enforcement officials said they do not suspect foul play, but the Medical Examiner said the office is awaiting final results of tests to conclude if the incident was an accident.
"At this point we cannot rule on the manner of his death," she said, explaining that the office could not say if it was an accident, suicide or homicide.
Garcia’s family could not be reached for comment.
A memorial was erected for Garcia near the site where his body was found. Flowers and candles sat near a sign with his photo and the words "Descansa en paz," meaning "Rest in Peace."
Police said a pair of witnesses found Garcia lying unconscious beneath the rock near the Arden Street entrance to the park just after 10 a.m. after "hearing the sound of breaking glass and a loud thud."
The witnesses said they did not see or hear people nearby and called 911 immediately, police said.
Garcia’s friends later told police he liked to spend time in the park, occasionally drinking a beer or two with friends, but they did not know why he was in the park that morning.
