Emory University police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman who fell from a building located at 1256 Briarcliff Road shortly after midnight on Friday. This address is notable for being a filming location for the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things,” which depicted the site as the fictional Hawkins National Laboratory.
The incident was reported to DeKalb County police around 12:50 a.m., highlighting the serious nature of the fall. Authorities confirmed that the woman, who was not affiliated with Emory University, fell from the university-owned building. As of now, it remains unclear whether anyone else was present with her at the time of the fall.
Emory University police have taken over the investigation into the incident. Upon arrival at the scene, early Friday morning, authorities found an Emory police vehicle stationed outside the sprawling facility that had previously served various functions, including educational and administrative uses, and more recently, as a COVID-19 testing site. Emory University purchased the 42-acre property in 1998, after it was formerly known as the Georgia Mental Health Institute, which operated from 1965 until its closure in 1997.
As part of the university’s plans for the site, Emory has stated that the property is fenced off and in the process of demolition, with future plans to develop a senior living community. Furthermore, warnings are posted on the premises advising against trespassing, and Emory is enhancing security measures to ensure safety.
This tragic incident has drawn attention not only due to its location but also because of the ongoing efforts to redevelop this significant site. Heightening security and safety protocols will be crucial as Emory moves forward with its plans for the property, ensuring such incidents do not occur in the future.