A Charlotte, North Carolina, man died after falling from an escalator inside the Harrah's Casino in New Orleans, police said.

James Edward Darst, 33, and co-workers arrived at the casino at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday. About one hour later, Darst walked into the Masquerade Club. He walked beyond a curtain and crossed a barricade before walking up to the second-floor escalator, according to the New Orleans Police Department.

He tried to slide down the escalator's handrail and fell to the first floor, where he died.

Bystanders heard the man fall and called police.

Foul play is not believed to be a factor and the investigation is ongoing.

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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