Investigation Into Male's Death at 1700 Smith

April 6, 2009 - Houston police are investigating the falling death of a male at 1700 Smith about 4:10 p.m. on Saturday (Apr. 4).

The victim, Rodolfo Chan Yah, 28, suffered massive head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants R. Blain and M. Dillingham reported:

HPD patrol officers were called out to a dead person in the parking lot of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  Upon arriving, they found Yah, who had apparently fallen from a nearby rooftop.  HPD Homicide Division investigators discovered Yah was part of a roofing company hired by the Crowne Plaza Hotel to repair its roof.  The preliminary investigation reveals that Yah accidentally fell three stories from the roof while working.  He died upon hitting the ground.

A representative from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting a separate investigation.

The HPD investigation is continuing.
Inc. #48076909
KJS/JC

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .