Ohio Man Jumps from Florida Hotel Balcony

July 1, 2011

Authorities say an Ohio man vacationing with his family jumped from a 19th-floor hotel balcony in central Florida.

Daytona Beach Fire Lt. Larry Stoney says 27-year-old Matthew Gray of Orrville, Ohio, survived Wednesday night’s fall. Gray landed on the hood of a pickup truck parked on the top level of a parking garage 11 stories below. He was hospitalized Thursday in critical condition.

Police spokesman Jimmie Flynt says Gray was on the balcony with his family when he threatened to jump. Flynt says family members grabbed Gray to prevent him from jumping, but as soon as they turned to go back into the hotel room he jumped.

Flynt says alcohol appeared to be a factor.

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