A 34-year-old man died after reportedly jumping from the Whitney Museum of American Art on Wednesday evening, just before the museum’s scheduled closing time. The man, who has not yet been identified, was found unresponsive outside the museum, according to a source familiar with the incident.
While the Whitney Museum has not made a public statement, museum director Scott Rothkopf informed staff of the tragic event in an internal email sent that evening.
“I write to share an update regarding an incident that occurred at the museum this evening, shortly before the museum closed,” Rothkopf said in the message obtained by ARTnews. “Authorities have confirmed that an individual jumped from the Whitney property onto the plaza below and tragically lost their life.”
The New York Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 5:26 p.m. at the museum’s location, 99 Gansevoort Street. Upon arrival, police found a man lying on the sidewalk, unconscious and unresponsive, with injuries consistent with a fall from height. Emergency medical personnel pronounced the individual dead at the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death. Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity, and the investigation remains ongoing.
In his message to museum staff, Rothkopf announced that the Whitney would delay its opening on Thursday until 12:00 p.m. to give employees time to grieve and process the incident.
“This is something that deeply touches our community. Moments like this can affect each of us differently,” Rothkopf wrote. “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.”
A spokesperson for the Whitney Museum declined to comment on the matter by press time.
Located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum of American Art—commonly known as “The Whitney”—is a major cultural institution dedicated to 20th- and 21st-century American art. Its striking building and outdoor spaces attract thousands of visitors each week, making the event especially shocking to museum staff and patrons alike. The high Line
