Fatal Fall Ruled Accidental

Santa Barbara police have determined that 27-year-old Ian Sanchez’s fatal fall from his second story apartment last month was an accident. Though there was no direct witness to the fall, explained Sgt. Dave Henderson, evidence gathered at the scene and interviews with the person who first reported seeing Sanchez sprawled on the sidewalk at 31 Parker Way allowed authorities to make the determination.

Based on items found at the scene, Henderson said, it appears Sanchez was leaning out of his window to hang an object on the outside of the building. He somehow lost his grip and tumbled out the window at around 6:40 a.m. He was pronounced dead at Cottage Hospital at 7:13 a.m.

The final toxicology report is pending, but Henderson said it’s likely alcohol played a factor in Sanchez’s death.