Santa Claus falls from 24th floor during gift-giving attempt
In a heartbreaking incident in Chelyabinsk, Western Russia, a climber dressed as Santa Claus met a tragic end while attempting to deliver gifts to children by entering homes through balconies.
The climber, identified as Ded Moroz, lost balance and fell from the 24th floor due to tangled safety ropes, turning what seemed like a festive show into a devastating mishap.
The event, initially mistaken for part of a performance, left onlookers in shock as they witnessed the fall. Among the spectators were the Santa climber’s family members, including spouse and children.
The company employing the Santa climber issued an apology, acknowledging the experienced expertise of the climber. Describing the incident as a “terribly unfortunate turn” to today’s holiday, the company emphasized the unforeseeable nature of the occurrence.
They pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation to understand the reasons behind the accident and to prevent any reoccurrence. The climber, estimated to be 24-25 years old, had been considered a skilled professional in the field.