Mother dies, baby critical after being pushed from 15th-floor balcony, police say

NEW YORK (WABC) - A young mother died and her 8-month-old daughter was critically injured after police say they were pushed from a 15th-floor balcony in New York City.

Officers with the New York City Police Department responded around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday to an apartment building in the Bronx, where they found 23-year-old Nathaly Ramirez and her 8-month-old daughter on the ground outside the building.

Both the mother and baby were taken to the hospital. Ramirez was pronounced dead, and her daughter remains in critical condition.

Even in her final moments, Ramirez’s motherly instincts kicked in as officials say she wrapped her baby in a tight embrace, likely cushioning the impact of the fall.

Police are investigating Ramirez’s death as a homicide. Officers spent hours examining a 15th-floor balcony for evidence while canvassing for surveillance video and additional witnesses. They are also looking to speak with Ramirez’s ex-boyfriend.

Friends say Ramirez was devoted to her daughter.

“She was very happy to be a mom. She’s a new mom, and the baby was very happy,” one friend said.

The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been announced.