NEW YORK — During a routine trip to New York City to meet with his criminal defense team, golf course manager Donald Trump fell approximately 500 feet from a helicopter onto the city streets below.
Onlookers were shocked to witness Mr. Trump flailing helplessly toward the ground and into heavy afternoon traffic. After his body slammed into the asphalt, and before authorities could intervene and secure the area, he was struck by several municipal buses.
The reasons for the fall have not been definitively determined. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter door open suddenly, causing Trump to lose his balance and plummet like a rock.
Mr. Trump, who served a four-year term as president of the United States, often appears visually disoriented and confused during public appearances; however, there is no indication that this was a contributing factor.
Authorities are investigating whether mechanical failure contributed to the mishap. Representatives from Mount Sinai Hospital, where Mr. Trump was taken following the incident, expect him to make a full recovery.