Man falls to death at Palisades Center Mall, police say

WEST NYACK, N.Y. (WABC) -- Authorities in Rockland County were investigating after a person fell to their death inside the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack.

The incident happened around 10:20 Thursday morning.

According to the Clarkstown Police Department, a 54-year-old developmentally challenged man fell from a third-floor escalator to the first floor.

He was later identified as 54-year-old William Gunnerson, originally from Congers.

Gunnerson was visiting the mall with two others from New York Foundling, which said it is "deeply saddened" by the death.

"The safety of the individuals in our care is paramount, and we are doing everything we can to help determine what led to this terrible accident," Foundling said in a written statement.

In a statement, police said the man was trying to get on the third-floor escalator going to the fourth floor. His back was to the railing of the escalator when he lost his balance. The escalator hand rail pushed his body over the railing and he fell.

A staff member next to the Gunnerson tried to grab him, but was unable to do so. He was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

New York Foundling is making grief counselors available to staff and clients.