Elizabeth Gaglewski: Aspiring model who fell to death from NY's Bar 54 remembered as ‘sweet and loving’
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: A 26-year-old woman who lost her life on Wednesday, October 12, after she fell from a hotel rooftop bar in Times Square has been remembered as “sweet and loving” by her family. The victim identified as Elizabeth Gaglewski was reportedly at Bar 54 at the Hyatt Centric Times Square when she plunged from its railing before coming down on a 27th-floor balcony.
Now, her relatives told The New York Post on Thursday that Gaglewski was an aspiring model. Her uncle Tony Smith said, “She was just a good person, a sweet and loving, caring kid,” and her aunt Janet asserted, “She was a good, loving, kind girl.”
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Meanwhile, investigators probing the case have said that they were still working to find out if the tragedy was an accident or she willingingly took her own life. Reportedly, the cops have said that they were checking the surveillance footage of the time when the woman fell. Even Gaglewski’s family members were not sure either, as her uncle added, “We are still waiting to get all the information from the cops.”
As per reports, the workers of the Hyatt Centric had tried to save Gaglewski but by the time they did something, she had already plummeted. A staff member noted, “They saw it. They tried to help her but they couldn’t. The whole staff is traumatized right now.”
Following the incident, the Hyatt Centric issued a statement that read, “We are deeply saddened by the situation that occurred this afternoon at our hotel and our thoughts go out to the individual’s family and those who have been affected. We are working closely with local authorities and all inquiries should be directed to the New York Police Department.”
Bar 54, the place where the incident happened, has been described on Hyatt Centric site as, “Perched above the bright lights of Times Square, Bar 54 is an unforgettable location featuring chic, intimate indoor space and an expansive outdoor terrace - perfect for enjoying delicious craft cocktails, fine wines and light gourmet fare. Reservations are required.”
The tragedy happened over a year after a “depressed” NYC woman took her life along with her daughter after plummeting from a 12-story building’s floor in Manhattan. Though Oksana Patchin and her five-year-old daughter were taken to St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, but could not be saved. According to the woman’s closest friend, Patchin suffered from insomnia and panic attacks as well as clinical depression, and was taking antidepressants.
The pal explained, “She really regretted taking the pills because she didn’t know how addictive they were. She referred to herself as a ‘drug addict’. She had a lot of time to process her divorce during the quarantine. She must have felt that was the only thing that she could do. All that she wanted was to get better… she never wanted to hurt [Olivia].”
“She has never been addicted to anything before (I've known her for 14 years) and would have never sought out to take addictive drugs had it not been prescribed to her. She led a healthy lifestyle, shopped at Farmer's Market on Grand Army Plaza and exercised,” the person added.
If you're thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support call the toll-free 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)