The coroner's office determined that 17-year-old Jacque St Ann died from blunt force injuries due to a fall from height after he and his friends entered the abandoned Plaza Tower in downtown New Orleans. The incident occurred on August 15, when the group broke into the fenced-off, 45-story building, which has been derelict for years.
Incident Details
New Orleans police reported that Jacque and his friends, from Belle Chasse, Louisiana, traveled into the city and broke into the Plaza Tower in the central business district. They ascended to a higher floor at about midnight, and Jacque fell to his death while they were descending an interior staircase. Police declined to specify the floor from which he fell, citing respect for the family.
Local paramedics pronounced Jacque dead at the scene. Another member of the group was hospitalized with a deep laceration to an arm and wrist. Police did not disclose how many teens were in the group, and they believe some may have left before Jacque fell.
Police Warning and Response
In the aftermath, New Orleans police warned the public against "urban exploring," which involves entering off-limits, abandoned structures. Deputy Police Superintendent Nicholas Gernon said at a news conference: "This is not a safe building, and this is not a safe place to poke around – and at night, and in the dark in the middle of the night."
Michael Harrison, New Orleans deputy mayor and former police superintendent, said: "This is truly a tragic incident – and so no one, kids or adults, should be entering into boarded-up, abandoned buildings, especially when they are secured. Let us make sure we offer our condolences and sympathies to this young man who lost his life." Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick acknowledged that Jacque's friends and families are "traumatized," though she also mentioned the possibility of trespassing charges after a grieving period.
Building History and Ownership
The Plaza Tower, now 58 years old, has not been used since before Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. In 2021, debris falling from the building struck a cyclist, leading to the installation of protective netting. City officials identified Alexandria Land & Development LLC, the estate of late land magnate Joe Jaeger, as the owner, and said the entity has the legal responsibility to secure the privately owned building.
Jaeger bought the tower in 2014, but a lack of action led the city to issue fines and obtain a court order for demolition. Potential sales complicated the demolition pathway, which would cost an estimated $25 million to $28 million. Redevelopment plans have stalled amid financing struggles.
Future Steps and Family Tribute
The administration of Mayor Helena Moreno pledged to continue securing the building and supporting redevelopment, which "will return Plaza Tower to commerce and will be essential to the long-term safety and vibrancy of the site." The city is studying a "Difficult to Develop Area" designation to support financing for housing-related redevelopment, with construction hoped to begin by mid-2027, though no specific timeline exists.
New Orleans police said they would temporarily increase patrols around the tower. Harrison noted, "It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that this abandoned building is secure and that no one can enter it." Kirkpatrick said security may not have been present at the time, and the owner could "possibly" face charges for failing to secure the property.
A statement on behalf of Jacque's family said, "We miss our boy more than words could ever express. Our hearts want nothing more than to have him back with us. We love him beyond measure, and that love will never end." His school, Belle Chasse High, said Jacque "was an outstanding student and, more importantly, an exceptional young man who made a lasting impact on those around him." The school district will provide counselors for students and staff.
