Emerson student falls to his death

By Sean Teehan, Globe Correspondent

An Emerson College film student fell to his death today from a South End apartment building while working on a school project this morning, the president of the college said in an email.

Justin Amorratanasuchad, a junior film production major from Seattle, Wa., died from injuries he sustained after falling off a Columbus Avenue rooftop, the college president, Jackie Liebergott, wrote in an email.

“We wish to express our deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved Justin,” Liebergott’s email said. “A service to remember and celebrate Justin's life will be organized at an appropriate time, about which more details will be forthcoming.”

Police responded to the call at about 10:45 a.m. and pronounced Amorratanasuchad, 21, dead at the scene, according to the Boston Police Department. Police said the death appeared to be accidental.

Access to the roof from where Amorratanasuchad fell is supposed to be restricted by a locked door, said Kevin Spates, 23, who said he has lived in the building for about two years. He recently noticed that the lock had been taped over so that the door was always open.

“I’ve been up there a couple of times, it’s pretty simple to get up there,” Spates said.

Emerson’s Counseling Center will host a communal gathering at the Campus Center tomorrow for people who wish to talk about Amorratanasuchad’s death, Liebergott’s email said.