Man falls to death from hotel while taking pictures of New York skyline

A student has fallen to his death while attempting to take photos of the New York skyline from the top of the Four Seasons Hotel.

Connor Cummings, 20, from New Jersey, and a friend were climbing on scaffolding in place around the hotel. Neither of the boys were guests at the hotel.

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The NY Times explained that the pair "took the elevator to the top floor of the 52-story hotel, and then climbed up several flights of stairs onto the roof. There they gained access to a fenced-off area that contained cooling equipment and fans surrounded by ladders leading to metal catwalks.

"After clambering up a 25-foot ladder to the catwalk area, the pair began taking photos using hand-held cameras."

However, it began to rain and Mr Cummings slipped, before falling nine storeys to his death.

His body was found on a roof below the catwalk.

The 18-year-old friend quickly notified authorities. ITV News reports that he was questioned by police but was not charged.

According to the NY Times, the hotel said in a statement: "The safety and security of our guests, patrons and employees is a top priority for us.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to them."

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