MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: Harold Tekel, a 91-year-old former US Marine, died on Wednesday after plunging from the 17th floor of his luxury apartment building in Manhattan, which overlooks Central Park. He landed on the sidewalk of the Seventh Avenue side of the building, and was pronounced dead at the spot, police said.
Tekel, who served as a lieutenant in the Marines, lived in the 35-story residential building, 200 Central Park South, with his wife Rochelle, 88. They had three daughters, Terry Grossman, who confirmed his identity to Daily Mail on Wednesday afternoon, and two others.
Who is Harold Tekel?
Terry, who as per the publication often posted tributes about her parents on Facebook, described Tekel as “always compassionate, optimistic and always kind with an incredible sense of the humorous.” She also said he was proud of his service in the military and shared a picture of him on Veterans Day. “I am thinking of my dad on Veterans Day and the pride he and all who have served, share to this day. Love you Dad,” she wrote once in 2022 as per the publication.
Police said they don’t suspect foul play in Tekel’s death, but a neighbor claimed the senior had attempted “something similar” a couple of weeks ago. “He tried to do this before,” the neighbor told The New York Post on Wednesday morning.
"Yes, we're incredibly sad," Terry said confirming his death. Terry said she was still at the hospital with her mother as they dealt with the tragedy on Wednesday afternoon. Tekel’s death shocked the residents of 200 Central Park South, which has been built in 1963. It is reportedly one of the most desired residences in Manhattan, which has a rooftop observatory and impressive views of the park and the city skyline. Some apartments in the building are on the market for more than $11 million. The building also has notable former residents, such as actresses Raquel Welch and Doris Roberts.
Tekel’s death was the second one in the area within hours
Tekel’s death was the second one in the area within hours. Just hours earlier, the publication reported, another man jumped to his death from the sixth floor of a nearby building, according to police. The 66-year-old, who was not publicly identified, jumped from 160 West End Avenue shortly after 4:30 am and died at St Luke’s Hospital, police said.
