For 8 seconds he had the best view of New York City

The Empire State Building was the site of a jumper suicide about 6:15 pm last night. The jumper, thought to be in his early 20's (and jumping from the 86th floor of the observation deck can turn anything into 'thought to be' status) climbed the fence at the northeast corner (The Chrysler Building corner) and jumped over the outer ledge. He landed down below outside the Bank of America branch on 34th St. with what onlookers called an 'explosion'. Yikes.

The jumper was thought to be part of a tour group. So he paid $20 to commit suicide, how quaint. We also wonder if he stopped to get his picture taken at the 'photo station' as you make your way though the building to the top (and for those unfamiliar with how the trip works they try to soak you by almost making you stand in front of a backdrop of the Empire State Building so they can collect more cash on your way out should you choose to purchase the picture).

This is at least the 34th jump from different levels on the New York City iconic building since it opened in 1931. Perhaps nothing will compare to the October 2000 suicide of a Canadian man who dressed up as a pirate before walking the plank from the observation deck as it were.

Warning, the link has a somewhat grim picture of a body covered in a tarp and there's not a lot there. Be ye warned.

Looking down southeast over the ledge from the observation deck (click for large scarier image)