Tragedy struck the city that never sleeps as a young woman from Colorado lost her life in a shocking incident on the rooftop of a New York City hotel. Witnesses say that twenty-year-old Dezirae Andersen got into a violent argument with her boyfriend, Tyler Griffin, in public before falling multiple stories to her death. Police were called to the scene by frightened hotel guests who were disturbed by the altercation. According to witnesses, the incident was so loud and physically intense that multiple people called 911 out of fear for Andersen’s life.
Andersen and Griffin had traveled to New York City to introduce their eight-month-old daughter to Griffin’s parents. Unfortunately, their plans were cut short by the tragic events that unfolded that evening. Andersen’s mother, Cheryl Young, who is still reeling from the loss of her daughter, spoke with KDVR and shared her anguish about the situation. Her biggest concern is the welfare of her granddaughter, who is currently in the custody of the Administration for Children’s Services in New York City.
“I just keep thinking about how scared and confused she must be, given that she’s only 8 months old,” Young said. “I just want to get her back home where she’s with people that she knows and feels safe with.”
In addition to dealing with the loss of her daughter, Young is also struggling to bring her daughter’s body back to Colorado for a proper burial. She has set up a fundraiser to help pay for the costs.
Andersen had recently earned a nursing degree from the University of Colorado and had just started a new job at Children’s Hospital in Denver. Her mother was proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and revealed that she had aspirations of being a model. “She loved fashion. She was always trying to find the cutest outfits,” Young said.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when NYPD officers were called to the OYO hotel in Times Square after receiving a report of an assault in progress. Andersen’s body was found on the hotel scaffolding after falling multiple stories. Before the fall, NYPD said that Andersen and her boyfriend were fighting in the hotel room, and the argument eventually spilled out into the hallway. Witnesses reported that Griffin punched, kicked, and dragged Andersen.
According to sources, Griffin pushed Andersen through a fire door on the 10th floor and locked her outside before she fell to her death. What happened next is still unknown and under investigation. Young spoke with KDVR and revealed that she believes her daughter did not jump. “I 100% believe that she did not jump. I know my daughter, and I know her well enough to know that she would not do that. She loved her baby very much, and I can never imagine her leaving her behind like that.”
Young also shared that she had no idea about the abuse and just learned about it after her daughter’s death. “From other people, I’ve heard that he had been abusive before and that she tried to leave and ended up going back,” Young said.
Heartbroken and choking back tears, Young expressed her deep pain at not knowing about her daughter’s struggles with domestic violence. “It really hurts me very deeply because I myself have been a victim of domestic violence, and it really breaks my heart, and I wish she would have talked to me,” Young said.
Griffin has not been accused of Andersen’s death, but he does face charges of assault, reckless endangerment, and acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17. Police sources have described Griffin as emotionally disturbed, and arriving officers had to use a Taser to subdue him. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital for an evaluation.
The tragic death of Dezirae Andersen has left her family, friends, and the Denver community heartbroken. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects far too many people and families, and it is important to raise awareness and take action to prevent it.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking. In addition, nearly half of all women and men in the United States have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Domestic violence is not just physical abuse, it can also include emotional, verbal, sexual, and financial abuse. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. Domestic violence can leave long-lasting physical and emotional scars, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
Dezirae Andersen’s story is a tragic reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence. Her family and friends are grieving the loss of a young woman who had a bright future ahead of her. Andersen had just earned her nursing degree from the University of Colorado and had started a job at Children’s Hospital in Denver. She was also an aspiring model with a love for fashion and being in front of the camera.
Andersen’s mother, Cheryl Young, spoke to KDVR about her daughter’s death and her efforts to bring her granddaughter back home to Colorado. “I just keep thinking about how scared and confused she must be, given that she’s only 8 months old,” Young said. “I just want to get her back home where she’s with people that she knows and feels safe with.”
Young is also fighting to bring her daughter’s body back to Colorado for a proper burial. She has set up a fundraiser to help pay for costs. “I was in shock. I didn’t want to believe it. It doesn’t even feel real. I just keep thinking, I wish I could’ve been there to protect her and thinking about how scared she must have been,” Young said of her first-born daughter.
Andersen’s death has also shed light on the issue of domestic violence and the importance of speaking out and seeking help. According to Young, she had no idea about the abuse and just learned about it after her daughter’s death. “From other people, I’ve heard that he had been abusive before and that she tried to leave and ended up going back,” Young said.
It is crucial to recognize the signs of domestic violence and to speak out if you or someone you know is experiencing it. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides resources and support for anyone who needs help. They offer confidential and free assistance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or through their website.
It is also important for friends and family members to be aware of the signs of domestic violence and to offer support and help to those who may be experiencing it. Domestic violence is a complex issue, and it is not always easy to leave an abusive relationship. However, it is never too late to seek help and take steps towards a safer and healthier life.
Dezirae Andersen’s death is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. We must work together to raise awareness, prevent domestic violence, and support those who are affected by it. No one should have to live in fear, and everyone deserves to live a life free from violence and abuse.
