Investigation underway after 1 man found dead in downtown Calgary

The CPS homicide unit is investigating after it's believed a man fell to his death from a high-rise balcony. Teri Fikowski reports.

An investigation is underway after a man was found dead early Sunday morning in downtown Calgary.

Calgary police responded to the 1100 block of Third Street S.E. just after 5 a.m., after receiving reports that a man may have fallen from a high-rise balcony.

Police discovered a man nearby in medical distress, who was then transported to hospital in life-threatening condition, where he died from his injuries.

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Police blocked off the scene on 12 Avenue S.E. between MacLeod Trail and Third Street, and Third Street north of 12 Avenue S.E., as they investigated for roughly 10 hours.

Fire crews also brought in an aerial truck to help investigators collect evidence from a ledge.

CTV News spoke to the man’s aunt who said he was a 22-year-old man originally from the Siksika Nation and a talented hockey player.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

Residents shocked

People coming out of The Guardian condo building were shocked with the discovery of a car with its roof caved in and glass shattered across the street.

“It’s a scene from a movie,” said Keto Allen, who came out to walk his dog. “From first glance, it does look like someone fell or jumped but somebody landed on that vehicle from pretty high up, that’s what it seems like.”

Allen said there are around 40 floors in the building.

A group of women staying in an AirBnB in the building said they heard partying and woke up to sirens.

“It gives me goosebumps,” said Leanne Nicholson.

“I could hear a party and the music was really loud, like thump-thump-thump-thump. I did hear, I thought I heard, yelling at one point but I was in a fog but I heard the sirens.”

Carol Roberts and her husband own the car that was crushed.

They were attending a conference in Calgary and were shocked to learn while heading down to load up their vehicle to drive back to Edmonton what had happened.

Roberts said she’s more concerned about the man’s loved ones.

“I just hope and pray for the family.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.

Anyone was affected by witnessing these events is encouraged to contact the Victim Assistance Support Team (BAST) by calling 403-428-8398 or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828.

VAST is a free service offered to victims of crime and tragedy. For more information, go here.