Two Rooftoppers Charged After Ascending the Empire State Building – Learn More

Practice With A Native Tutor

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov were arrested this week after successfully climbing to the top of the Empire State Building in New York.

Upon reaching the top, they unfurled a banner, clasped hands and shared a kiss. Apparently they wanted to do their marriage proposal atop the building. The two Russian nationals were arrested shortly after completing the daredevil stunt. They have since been released from custody.

Empire State Building. Credit: Chris Czermak (Unsplash)

What exactly is rooftopping or roofing as it is also known? It is the (typically illegal) practice of climbing to the top of a building and getting onto the roof through a roof hatch or door. Many ‘rooftoppers’ take a video or photo once they reach the top. They often also video their ascent via a livestream or shortly after getting to the roof.

Aside from buildings, some climb water towers, smokestacks, cranes and other tall structures.

It is naturally a rather risky occupation and has resulted in both injury and death. Despite the hazards, the trend persists and there are ‘rooftopping’ communities that share tips with each other in online forums on how to successfully gain entrance to buildings and bypass security.

In the case of Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, the Guardian reports that the owner of the Empire State Building said that they prefer that couples in love, who want to get engaged, do so in a more orthodox way.

It doesn’t seem likely, though, that well-known ‘rooftoppers’ will be stopping their stunts anytime soon. There are a number of high-profile YouTubers who have built their following around risky activities like ‘rooftopping’ and base jumping.

Fortunately, for those of us who prefer more sedate pastimes that keep us safely on terra firma (Latin for firm ground), there are many enjoyable alternative hobbies which are safe – and legal.

Vocabulary

Unfurl

(verb)

Meaning: To spread out something that is rolled up or folded, like a flag or banner.

Example: 'They unfurled a large banner at the product launch.'

Daredevil

(noun or adjective)

Meaning: Someone who enjoys doing activities that have a high risk to safety.

Example: 'He is quite a daredevil, often trying out extreme sports.'

Ascent

(noun)

Meaning: A climb up something, such as a mountain or building.

Example: 'The team's ascent up Mount Everest was done in record time.'

Orthodox

(adjective)

Meaning: To do something in the generally accepted way.

Example: 'The architect chose an orthodox design rather than something experimental.'

Sedate

(adjective)

Meaning: Something that is calm and quiet.

Example: 'She was often doing sedate stuff, like reading a novel.'