Police Report: Extreme Heat Caused Open Door Before Girl's Fall from Denver Shelter

A Tragic Incident at a Homeless Shelter in Denver

An 11-year-old girl suffered serious injuries after falling from the seventh floor of a homeless shelter in southeast Denver. The incident occurred on July 7, and details emerged from police reports that were reviewed by 9NEWS Investigates. The child fell from the top floor of the family city shelter operated by The Salvation Army and landed on a second-story roof. She is currently hospitalized with multiple bone fractures, according to her family's attorney.

The tragedy happened when the family opened a sliding glass door due to extreme heat in their room. According to the police report, the parents mentioned that they opened the window because of unbearable conditions and an inability to breathe. They told a Denver Police detective at Children’s Hospital that they were unaware the door remained open the next day, as a curtain was covering it.

The incident highlights the uncomfortable living conditions at the shelter. A detective who visited the apartment shortly after the fall noted that the room was extremely hot, and the air conditioning was either not turned on or not functioning. He reported that he was sweating after spending about 10 minutes inside the room. The following day, the same detective observed that all the rooms on the top floor were similarly hot and lacked proper air circulation.

Living Conditions at the Shelter

The shelter, which is run by The Salvation Army, is designed to provide temporary housing for families experiencing homelessness. However, this incident raises concerns about the adequacy of the facilities provided. The temperature inside the shelter appears to have been dangerously high, especially during the summer months when heat can be particularly oppressive.

Residents of the shelter often face challenges related to ventilation and climate control. In many cases, the lack of functioning air conditioning or poor maintenance of existing systems can lead to uncomfortable and even dangerous living conditions. This case underscores the need for better oversight and maintenance of such facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

The Role of the Family

The family involved in the incident has expressed their distress over the situation. They stated that they did not realize the door had remained open, as it was covered by a curtain. Their account suggests that they were not aware of the potential danger posed by the open door, especially given the height of the seventh floor.

This incident also brings attention to the broader issue of how shelters are managed and monitored. While the primary goal of these facilities is to provide safe and secure housing, there are clear gaps in the systems that ensure resident safety. The lack of awareness among the family about the open door points to a possible failure in communication or supervision within the shelter.

Calls for Improvement

Following the incident, there have been calls for a thorough investigation into the conditions at the shelter. Advocates and community leaders are urging authorities to take action to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes ensuring that all units have working air conditioning, proper ventilation, and adequate supervision to monitor potential hazards.

In addition, there are discussions about the need for better training for shelter staff to recognize and address unsafe conditions. This could include regular inspections of rooms and immediate action if any issues are identified. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe living environments for vulnerable populations.

Moving Forward

As the child continues to recover in the hospital, the focus remains on understanding what went wrong and how to prevent such tragedies from happening again. The shelter system must be held accountable for the conditions it provides, and there should be a commitment to improving the quality of life for those who rely on these services.

This incident is a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in providing shelter and support to homeless families. It highlights the need for ongoing efforts to ensure that every individual has access to safe, healthy, and stable housing.