Belle Chasse High School today said it is heartbroken over the death of Jacque St. Ann.
He was the 17-year-old who fell to his death while exploring the abandoned Plaza Tower at Howard and Loyola avenues in downtown New Orleans.
"Jacque was an outstanding student and, more importantly, an exceptional young man who made a lasting impact on those around him," school officials said. " His presence was a meaningful part of our school community, and his absence will be felt deeply by our students, faculty, staff, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."
St. Ann was with a group of people who went "urban exploring" in the derelict skyscraper.
New Orleans officials said he fell in a stairwell that no longer had hand rails, suffering fatal injuries.
The incident renewed debate about the long-vacant tower and what to do with the blighted building.
