Police have much of the 100 block of North Pine Avenue closed off to the public Wednesday as they investigate the apparent suicide of an unidentified man who fell to his death from the First National Bank of Long Beach Building. This photo was taken more than an hour following the incident, which happened just before 12:20 p.m. The body, covered in a white sheet, still lies on the sidewalk adjacent to the valet kiosk (red umbrella) in front of L’Opera restaurant.
UPDATE Thursday, June 9, 4:34pm | Authorities said they have identified a man who either purposefully jumped or accidentally fell to his death Wednesday from a downtown Long Beach building on Pine Avenue.
The county coroner’s office said Thursday that the man has been identified as Dwayne Russell Browning, 46, of Long Beach.
While police are still classifying the incident as a probable suicide as they continue their probe, the Press-Telegram is reporting that Russell’s death may have been accidental.
Several of Russell’s friends reportedly told the PT that Russell was an amateur photographer who often took pictures of the city’s skyline atop various multi-level buildings in the area.
UPDATE Wednesday, June 8, 6:01pm | It is not yet known whether a man who fell to his death from a Pine Avenue building in an apparent suicide Wednesday jumped from the top of the structure or from a window.
The First National Bank of Long Beach Building, also known as the Metropolitan Building or Enloe Building, sits on the northwest corner of North Pine Avenue and West First Street, stretching from 101 to 125 N. Pine Ave.
The six-story structure features commercial office space on the second through sixth floors, while the first is occupied by businesses including L’Opera restaurant, Alegria Cocina Latina and the Beach Jewelry Center.
The man’s body struck the ground near the sidewalk adjacent to the steps leading into L’Opera about 20 minutes into the afternoon lunch hour.
Police reportedly said there was no evidence of foul play at the scene. The man was described as in his 40s, though a witness who stood just feet away from where the man’s body landed told the Press-Telegram the man appeared to be in his 50s.
Once the coroner identifies the man, his next of kin must be notified before his identifying information can be released to the public.
Wednesday, June 8, 2:01pm | A still unidentified man leapt to his death in an apparent suicide Wednesday afternoon from atop a building in downtown Long Beach, authorities said.
The incident happened in the 100 block of North Pine Avenue at about 12:20 p.m. during the busy downtown Long Beach lunch hour, according to information provided by Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman Lisa Massacani.
Police have yet to confirm the man’s identity but did say he appeared to be in his 40s.
The Press-Telegram is reporting that his body landed near the sidewalk adjacent to L’Opera restaurant.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly said they did not see the man jump, but they did hear a scream before hearing the distinct sound of his body hitting the pavement.
Additional information is forthcoming.