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The world is still reeling from the finale of Stranger Things, one of the most loved web shows in recent times. Social media continues to overflow with emotional tributes, positive reviews, memes and more. However, amid the massive success of Stranger Things 5, tragic news about the death of a 19-year-old fan has sent shockwaves across the fandom. Leah Palmirotto, a young woman from Georgia, died after falling from an abandoned building at Emory University. Die-hard fans of the show may recognise the spot as a key filming location. For those unversed, it was used in the Duffer Brothers' show to depict Hawkins National Laboratory.Leah Palmirotto DeathAccording to reports, Leah and her friends decided to visit the location to explore the abandoned space
used for filming. While exploring the restricted site, where the Georgia Mental Health Institute (GMHI) once operated, a tragic accident occurred. She reportedly fell from a height after entering Emory’s Briarcliff campus on December 19. Officials stated that Leah and her friends ignored no-trespassing signs and climbed over fenced walls to access the premises. When police arrived at around 1:30 am, Leah’s body was found at the base of the five-storey building. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival.Recently, her grieving father broke his silence. “She was perfect. I was blown away. I just wasn’t sure,” he said. “We just kind of always had something in the back of our mind that something could happen. I’m just hoping it [the fall] was instant. I just hope she felt no pain,” added.Further details about the night of the incident are still awaited. Authorities continue to probe the matter to understand the circumstances of the fall and whether any foul play was involved.Meanwhile, a GoFundMe fundraiser was set up by family friend Tom Cavanaugh to assist the family with funeral and memorial costs. The campaign has raised around $5,330. An informal memorial gathering was also held on December 30, 2025, at Kennesaw Park to pay tribute to Leah.
