Ottawa boy dies after multi-storey fall from high-rise apartment
A small memorial of stuffed animals and signs sits outside a Donald Street apartment building, where a three-year-old boy died after falling from the 18th floor on Sunday.
The boy fell from a window Sunday afternoon Ottawa paramedics said. A window screen was seen on the ground near where the boy was found Sunday afternoon and one was missing for an apartment several storeys up.
Police confirmed the boy died in hospital in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"The matter is being investigated to understand what led to the fall," police said. "Supports are being put in place for the family."
Building management sent a statement to CTV News Ottawa via email confirming the child lived on the 18th floor, and saying that hearts and prayers are with the family.
"This tragedy has affected our community deeply, and our focus right now is on providing support to residents and staff, as well as continuing to do everything we can to support the Ottawa police in their investigation," Lorne Stephenson, a spokesperson for Q Residential, said.
Stephenson added that all units have window restrictors, which are inspected annually.
Boy found without vital signs
The boy had no vital signs when paramedics arrived at 1240 Donald St. at around 1 p.m., a spokesperson said.
Responding paramedics tried to resuscitate the child as he was taken to the children's trauma centre, where his vital signs remained absent.
Ottawa police at 1240 Donald St., where a 3-year-old boy fell from an apartment. Sept. 24, 2023. (Jackie Perez/CTV News Ottawa)
The circiumstances around what happened and how the child fell remain under investigation.
Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs told reporters Monday that police investigators are working with the coroner to gather evidence about this incident. He added that victims' services are available to residents in the building who were affected by what he called a "terrible incident."
Coun. Tim Tierney called the incident an "unimaginable tragedy" and said mental health supports are available.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Jackie Perez and Leah Larocque.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

DEVELOPING Statistics Canada to release November job report today
Statistics Canada is set to release its November labour force survey this morning.
CSIS whistleblower hopes they 'lit a match' with allegations of rape and harassment
A CSIS officer who is among a group of whistleblowers raising allegations of sexual assault and harassment in the spy agency's British Columbia office says she hopes their actions have 'lit a match' to change what she calls a 'dark and disturbing place.'
Report: Belief death penalty is applied unfairly shows capital punishment's growing isolation in the U.S.
More Americans now believe the death penalty, which is undergoing a yearslong decline of use and support, is being administered unfairly, a finding that is adding to its growing isolation in the U.S., according to an annual report on capital punishment.
Blasted by Bloc, Conservative MP apologizes for asking minister to speak English
Conservative MP Rachael Thomas has apologized after drawing criticism from other members of Parliament for asking Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge to answer questions in English at a committee meeting.
Jaw-dropping video shows collapse at Coquitlam, B.C., construction site
Emergency work is underway after a collapse at a Coquitlam, B.C., construction site that was caught on camera this week.
Canadian-owned mine will begin closure in Panama after contract deemed 'unconstitutional'
A Canadian mining company is expected to begin the process of closing its multibillion-dollar operations in Panama today after weeks of civil unrest and protests from civilians fearing the ecological repercussions of its open-pit copper mine that is twice the size of Manhattan.
Live updates Israel and Hamas trade blame for ceasefire's end as combat resumes
Israel resumed fighting in Gaza minutes after a temporary ceasefire deal ended, and accused Hamas of having violated the truce. Hamas blames Israel, saying it declined offers to free more hostages.
For a male sexual assault survivor, justice won in U.S. court does not equal healing
Instead of being able to focus on recovery, Sam Schultz has been saddled with worries from other gay men that talking about sexual abuse in their community will hurt the fight for LBGTQ+ rights.
NHL veteran Perry apologizes for 'inappropriate' behaviour, says he is seeking help
Corey Perry says he has started seeking help for his struggles with alcohol following his release from the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks.