Leah Palmirotto, 19, Died After Falling From Abandoned Hospital at Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus

Investigation Underway After Leah Palmirotto Died in Atlanta After Falling From Abandoned Hospital Used in ‘Stranger Things’

ATLANTA, GEORGIA (December 24, 2025) – A 19-year-old woman identified as Leah Palmirotto has tragically died after falling from an abandoned hospital building in Atlanta.

DeKalb County authorities are saying that the incident took place on Friday morning at Emory University’s Briarcliff campus. Firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene after getting a call that Leah Palmirotto fell from the building.

The victim was apparently exploring the abandoned hospital with a group of friends prior to the accident. Despite life-saving measures by first responders, Leah Palmirotto died at the scene.

She is survived by her father, mother, and two brothers. Briarcliff Building A, the site where the accident took place, was prominently featured in the Netflix show Stranger Things.

A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Atlanta Accidents Involving Falls From Buildings

Property owners in Georgia have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action. Failing to take action to prevent people from foreseeable sources of harm could form the basis of a negligence claim. Property owners should take several measures to prevent people from accidentally falling from their building.

• Security: Property owners should secure the perimeter around any abandoned building and tightly control all access points.
• Warning Signs: Property owners should install visible “No Trespassing” signs at all potential entry points.
• Site Monitoring: Property owners should use motion detectors or alarms to notify security teams about unauthorized visitors at the building.
• Maintenance: Property owners should conduct routine inspections and maintenance of their property.

The vast majority of accidents at abandoned properties are preventable. In many cases, they are the result of safety failures and other hazards at the property. Unfortunately, property owners will virtually never accept responsibility if someone is seriously injured or killed on their premises. This is why it is so important that these incidents are thoroughly investigated by an outside party.

Steps to Take After Accidents at Abandoned Properties

Falls remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “In 2019, 83% percent of hip fracture deaths and 88% of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures were caused by falls.” It is important that certain steps are taken after any person falls or is injured at a commercial property.

• Evidence Preservation: All of the evidence associated with the accident should be preserved. It should include photos that were taken of the accident site and any police reports created as a result of the incident.
• Site Records: All of the records associated with the property should be examined. Among other things, the security measures in place should be carefully scrutinized.
• Legal Review: Any person injured at a commercial property should carefully consider their legal options with a team experienced in tort claims.

It can be difficult to know what to do after a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in any accident at a commercial property. These incidents can cause life-altering injuries and leave victims with high medical bills. Of course, many people do not survive. The family of any person who died due to a dangerous condition at a commercial property may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating DeKalb County Accidents

We at Butler Kahn extend our deepest condolences to the family of Leah Palmirotto. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps will be taken to prevent other tragedies like this. Several questions remain unanswered. In particular, what were the safety and security measures in place at this location?

Do you need more information about an Atlanta accident at Emory University’s Briarcliff campus? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at 678-940-1444.

Matt Kahn

Matt Kahn is an Atlanta personal injury lawyer and a partner at the law firm Butler Kahn. Matt has dedicated his career to fighting for individuals and families who had been harmed by the negligence of others. At Butler Kahn, he has had the honor of helping families who have lost children in motor vehicle accidents and people who were critically injured. He helped a family secure a $45 million settlement to provide lifetime care for their son, who was critically injured in a motorcycle accident. Matt is a graduate of Emory University School of Law and has been recognized as a Super Lawyers’ Rising Star and by Best Lawyers as One to Watch. He has received an Avvo 10.0 Top Attorney rating. Connect with me on LinkedIn