Father Speaks Out After 19-Year-Old Leah Palmirotto Falls To Her Death At Vacant Emory Building Featured In 'Stranger Things'

Leah Palmirotto, a 19-year-old who enjoyed photography and exploring abandoned places, died after falling from a vacant building on Emory University’s Briarcliff campus on Dec. 19. The structure, which served as the Hawkins National Laboratory on Netflix’s Stranger Things and previously appeared in The Vampire Diaries, has been the subject of increased public attention since the shows were filmed there.

Local reports say Leah was among a group exploring the unused building when she fell and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the fall.

Father Remembers Daughter

In an interview with local station WAGA, Leah’s father, Todd Palmirotto Jr., described the moment police delivered the news and paid tribute to his daughter.

“She was perfect,” Todd said. “I was blown away. I just wasn’t sure.”

He added, “I’m just hoping it [the fall] was instant. I just hope she felt no pain.”

Todd told reporters he believes Leah may have visited the property before and cautioned that entering vacant buildings is dangerous. He also suggested she might have been with people she didn’t really know at the time.

Support For The Family

A GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend Tom Cavanaugh had raised more than $2,500 by Dec. 23 to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. Cavanaugh described Leah as “a beautiful and vibrant young lady originally from Florida who lived for the beach and outdoors” and noted her passion for photographing abandoned buildings.

Leah is survived by her parents and two brothers. An informal memorial was planned at a park in Kennesaw, according to local reports.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the fall. No additional details have been released publicly at this time.