Teen dies after falling from abandoned building featured in Stranger Things

A 19-year-old woman died after falling from the roof of an abandoned hospital building in DeKalb County, Georgia, a structure widely known for its appearance in the Netflix series Stranger Things, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred late at night on December 19, when the woman, identified as Leah Palmirotto, was part of a group exploring the vacant five-story building on Emory University’s Briarcliff campus. Officials said the building has been closed to the public for years and is surrounded by fencing and posted no-trespassing signs.

According to law enforcement, the group accessed the property by climbing over a fence before entering the structure. Palmirotto fell from the roof, and first responders pronounced her dead at the scene. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed her death, and authorities stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall is ongoing.

The building was originally constructed in the 1960s as the Georgia Mental Health Institute and later acquired by Emory University in the 1990s. It gained widespread recognition after being used as the exterior of Hawkins National Laboratory in Stranger Things, making it a frequent point of interest for fans and urban explorers despite being off-limits.

Local officials have repeatedly warned the public about the dangers of entering abandoned or restricted properties, citing structural hazards and safety risks. While the site remains secured, incidents involving unauthorized access have continued over the years.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about the risks associated with exploring abandoned locations tied to popular film and television productions. Authorities have not announced whether charges will be filed and say additional information may be released as the investigation continues.