Leah Palmirotto, 19, fell to her death from the roof of an abandoned five-story hospital building on Emory University's Briarcliff campus shortly before 1 a.m. on Dec. 19. Investigators say she was likely exploring the vacant structure with others and may have climbed a chain-link fence to enter. The building—known as Building A—once housed the Georgia Mental Health Institute and has been used as a filming location for Stranger Things. Authorities are investigating and have not yet released further details.
Leah Palmirotto, 19, Dies After Falling From Abandoned 'Stranger Things' Filming Site in Georgia
Fox 5 Atlanta/YouTubeAn abandoned building on Emory University's Briarcliff property on Dec. 19, 2025
A 19-year-old woman has died after falling from the roof of an abandoned hospital building on Emory University’s Briarcliff campus in DeKalb County, Georgia, authorities said. The incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Dec. 19, when DeKalb County police and fire crews responded to reports from the site.
DeKalb County's medical examiner has identified the woman as Leah Palmirotto. Investigators believe Palmirotto was exploring the five-story vacant structure with a group of people when she fell and was pronounced dead at the scene.
How Authorities Say They Entered the Site
According to local reports, the group may have gained access to the property by climbing a chain-link fence surrounding the building. Police are continuing to investigate why the group entered the off-limits facility and the circumstances that led to the fatal fall.
NetflixHawkins National Laboratory in 'Stranger Things' season 2, episode 8
About the Building
The long-empty structure, known as Building A, was constructed in the 1960s as the Georgia Mental Health Institute and was acquired by Emory University in the 1990s. Although plans were announced in 2022 to demolish the site to make way for a senior living development, the building remains standing.
The site has attracted urban explorers despite being closed to the public and has been used as a filming location, including as the fictional Hawkins National Laboratory in Netflix’s Stranger Things. It has also appeared in other television productions, such as The Vampire Diaries.
Ongoing Investigation
DeKalb County Police Department, DeKalb County Fire Rescue and Emory University had not immediately provided comment to PEOPLE at the time of reporting. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Palmirotto’s death.
Note: This is a developing story and agencies may provide additional information as the investigation continues.
