Hotel Sky Cape Town has clarified that the man who jumped off the rooftop of the hotel on Monday afternoon did so in an area just above the section where the Sky-HI ride is located.
The Hotel’s Group Director for Sales and Marketing, Inge Dykman, says the man was a walk-in patron and made his way to the 28th floor, where he managed to climb over all the balustrades and jumped to his death.
He fell onto the traffic island on Lower Long Street.
Dykman says he didn’t buy a ticket to the Sky-HI ride, as was initially reported by media outlets.
In a statement released last night, Managing Director Paul Kelly said the company is devastated by this unexpected event and has extended its heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones during this time of profound loss.
“It is important for us to all recognize mental health illness and depression and to recognize where people need help and assistance and to never take these incidents for granted as a community.”
Kelly has assured the public that Hotel Sky Cape Town remains a safe and secure environment for all guests, visitors, and staff, and the hotel fully complies with international and local safety and security measures.
“We have extended support to all those affected by this tragedy.”
The South African Police Service and relevant authorities are conducting a full investigation.
Police spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk says a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the individual’s race, age, and the exact cause of death.
He says no next of kin have yet come forward.
READ: Police investigating Hotel Sky tragedy