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Jacque St Ann Dies in Fall from Interior Staircase of Abandoned New Orleans High-Rise

Jacque St Ann, a 17-year-old student from Belle Chasse, fell to his death after entering the derelict Plaza Tower in downtown New Orleans. The incident occurred during an urban exploration trip with a group of friends shortly after midnight on August 15. While descending an interior staircase that lacked safety railings, St. Ann suffered blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. New Orleans police have warned the public against entering the off-limits structure, citing its deteriorating condition and lack of security. The administration of the New Orleans mayor, Helena Moreno, clarified that because Plaza Tower is privately owned by Alexandria Land & Development, LLC, the owner holds the legal responsibility to secure the building. While the city is pursuing a 'Difficult to Develop Area' designation to support potential housing redevelopment, there is no immediate requirement for the owner to demolish the property, which would cost between $25 million and $28 million. Police may eventually consider criminal charges against the owners for failing to secure the site.

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