London Hilton suffers another suicide plunge

A guest at the London Hilton Park Lane died after throwing himself from his balcony on the 25th floor, the third suicide leap at the hotel in three years.

An inquest last week heard how 27-year-old Jason Kiernan was found dead in the early hours of 11 September this year after a security guard heard a "thud" on the fourth floor roof. A suicide note was found outside his room.

Westminster Coroner's Court heard how Kiernan, who had suffered psychological illness most of his life, had signed a disclaimer that Hilton requires when letting rooms with balconies.

Two years ago, also on 11 September, Ajay Goyal, a director of a cosmetics company, jumped to his death from the 14th floor of the hotel. A year before that, artist Alastair Morris was found dead on the pavement, having jumped from the 25th floor.

After the Goyal incident, Hilton said that it had "permanently" locked all bedroom balcony doors. A spokesman said this week: "Security is of utmost importance to Hilton. All windows can only be opened by five inches, and balconies can only be opened if there is more than one registered guest in the room."

A spokesman for Westminster City Council said that environmental health officers had looked into the incident and were "satisfied that there was no further investigation needed" by the council.

by Christina Golding

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 21-27 November 2002