Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
An elderly man's body was found on the balcony at Westminster Tower, a 17-story residential building.
Young men playing basketball in Reed Park, in front of Westminster Tower, an old age facility on 7th Street. File photo; no one pictured had anything to do with the events described in this story.
Santa Monica police and fire personnel responded Friday, August 14, 2026, to a death investigation in the 1100 block of 7th Street, where an adult was pronounced dead at the scene following an apparent suicide.
The individual, later identified as 90-year-old Maurice Robson, was found on a sixth-floor construction balcony at Westminster Tower, a 17-story residential building undergoing exterior renovations. Preliminary information from the Santa Monica Police Department indicated the death was not related to criminal activity, and there was no threat to the public.
Seventh Street was temporarily closed between Wilshire Boulevard and Washington Avenue while personnel completed the investigation. Officials asked the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes. The closure was relatively brief.
On August 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified Robson and listed the cause of death as blunt traumatic injuries, with the manner of death ruled a suicide. Records list the place of death as a construction site. Santa Monica police Lt. Lewis Gilmour confirmed the identification.
Anyone experiencing emotional distress or concerned about someone who may be in crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support.
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