A man in Russia who dressed up as a Father Christmas tragically lost his life after falling 240ft.
WARNING: This article contains information some readers may find distressing.
A man dressed as Father Christmas lost his life in a heartbreaking accident, falling from the top of a tall building in Russia.
The festive season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration for many.
However, for those present in Chelyabinsk, this Christmas will forever be overshadowed by this tragic event.
A man dressed as Grandfather Frost, the Russian version of Santa Claus, was attempting to descend a high-rise building using ropes to surprise and delight children waiting below.
The scene was set around a beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the base of the tall building. Among the crowd were the man’s own child and partner, eagerly awaiting his arrival.
Tragically, instead of a joyful moment, the crowd witnessed a horrifying accident as the man fell more than 240 feet to his death.
Initially, many people believed the fall was part of the planned stunt. The realization of the tragedy only dawned on them later.
Reports have suggested that a mishap with the ropes used during the stunt was the cause of the fatal accident, leading to his untimely passing.
“My son didn’t understand anything, others understood and they left in hysterics. All the parents, naturally, are in shock,” shared one attendee who witnessed the tragic event unfold in Chelyabinsk.
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Another eyewitness described the moment, saying: “Everyone was having fun, and no-one could even think this would happen. I thought until the last minute that it was some kind of dummy, that it was a prank. The festivities carried on. There was at first no suspicion that this was a tragedy.”
Other witnesses also spoke about the incident, including one resident who remarked: “My husband and son were there. There were many witnesses there, including children. For now, no-one knows why he fell.”
“Climbers wash the windows in our apartment block – and there has never been a single emergency.”
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Russian state investigators promptly arrived at the scene to begin investigating the incident. They are reportedly examining whether safety protocols were violated during the event.
The residential management company responsible for organizing the performance stated that the man involved was an experienced professional.
In their statement, they said: “Today’s holiday turned into a monstrous misfortune. An industrial climber dressed as Grandfather Frost [Santa Claus] fell while descending from his house and died.”
“We will do everything in our power to help the police understand the reasons and never allow this to happen again.”
