Death of Nicole John, Ambassador's Daughter, an Accident

Nicole John, 17-year-old daughter of Thailand ambassador, fell at party.

ByABC News
August 27, 2010, 12:14 PM

Aug. 28, 2010 — -- The death of the American ambassador to Thailand's daughter, who fell from a midtown Manhattan apartment while partying there early Friday morning, was ruled an accident, but police said the apartment owner is facing charges.

Nicole John, the 17-year-old daughter of Ambassador Eric John, apparently fell from a window on the 25th floor of an apartment building just after 4 a.m. Friday, officials said.

Witnesses across the street saw her fall and called police, police Commissioner Raymond Kelly told The Associated Press.

"There was a party," a police offical told ABC News. "It's believed she fell from the buildling."

The girl slipped off her shoes and climbed onto a ledge of the building with her camera before her fall, the AP reported, citing police officials.

The New York City Medical Examiner's Office ruled that her death was an accident.

"Nicole John died from blunt trauma due to injuries sustained from the fall," the medical examiner said in a statement released today.

The resident of the apartment, 25-year-old Ilan Nassimi, was arrested on scene and has been charged with a misdemeanor for providing alcohol to minors, a police spokesman told ABC News.

"We are discussing what happened that night with that gentleman," another police official said.

Police said they are still investigating the girl's death.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the John family during this very difficult time," a State Department spokesman told ABC News.

Nicole John had attended high school in Bangkok, according to the ambassador's website. Eric John was appointed ambassador to Thailand in 2007.