Hay River (July 26/04) - A Hay River man died Saturday morning in an accidental fall from the 14th floor of the town's highrise.

The victim has been identified as John David (Woody) Woodhouse, 42, an employee of Northern Transportation Company Ltd.

"He was entertaining at his home and sitting on the railing (of the balcony), lost his balance and fell over," said RCMP Cpl. Jim Forsey, noting there was one guest in the apartment where the victim lived alone.

Woodhouse died instantly when he landed on a one-storey attachment to the highrise. The accident occurred at about 10 a.m.

"Alcohol was a contributing factor," Forsey said.

Woodhouse was planning to move later on Saturday to a new residence in the 553 section of town, said Forsey.

Forsey said late Saturday afternoon that the investigation was basically concluded.