Child dies in fall from Vancouver highrise balcony

Neighbours and family friends are shocked and devastated after an eight-year-old girl died in a fall from a Yaletown balcony.

An eight year-old girl died after falling from a highrise balcony in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities.

Officers were called to the building near Nelson Street and Expo Boulevard around 2:30 p.m. for reports a child had fallen from an “upper balcony,” a statement from the Vancouver Police Department said.

“We all performed emergency first aid to this child. Tragically, she was pronounced deceased at the scene,” VPD spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin said.

“It’s horrible for everyone involved, especially the family. So, we’re being sensitive to that. We’re working with the family, and we’re determining what what led up to this.”

Neighbours said the child fell from the 23rd storey, where her father lives, and landed on a balcony on the seventh storey.

“I was telling everyone, please pray for her, but absolutely no hope,” said Sanaz Rez, one of the child’s neighbours.

A family friend who was at the building Wednesday said the young girl loved dogs and was looking forward to getting one of her own.

“She was smart. She was really sweet. It’s, it’s just, it’s unbelievable,” Roya Vojdani told CTV News.

“I think we are all still in shock, it feels like a dream.”

The Major Crimes Section is investigating the circumstances of the child’s death, and anyone with information is urged to call 604-717-2500.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s St. John Alexander