New York City’s notoriously cramped city blocks just saved NYU student Asher Vongtau from falling to his death.
The 19-year-old went missing early Saturday morning, but was only discovered on Sunday evening when a University security officer heard moaning coming from the narrow space between Asher’s dormitory and the neighboring building.
“He was found on the main-level floor of the building, on his side. He was moving his arms, so we knew he was alive,” Fire Chief Joseph Schiralli told New York Post.
^ New York City Fire Department’s photo of the space where Asher was found.
It is unclear how far Asher actually fell. He lives on the fifth floor, but he was last seen heading to the roof above the 18th floor and that’s where his cell phone was found.
After Asher was found alive, firefighters broke through the garage in one of the buildings to extract him from the space. Fire Chief Schiralli said Asher was sleepy and delirious, but appeared to be in relatively good health. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and observation.
