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A man who jumped to his death from a Manhattan apartment window last week was well-known NYC art critic Charlie Finch, police sources confirmed Sunday.

Finch, 68, fell from his fifth-floor window at a pre-war co-op building on East 12th Street near Second Avenue in the East Village around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, the sources said. 

At the time, police said they believed the man was terminally ill.

Finch, who was known as a cranky critic, co-authored the book “Most Art Sucks.” 


  Charlie Finch fell from his fifth-floor window. Robert Mecea Charlie Finch fell from his fifth-floor window. Robert Mecea

  Charlie Finch was a well-known art critic in NYC. Robert Mecea Charlie Finch was a well-known art critic in NYC. Robert Mecea

  Charlie Finch co-authored the book “Most Art Sucks.” Robert Mecea Charlie Finch co-authored the book “Most Art Sucks.” Robert Mecea

Walter Robinson — a well-regarded artist/critic who was also Finch’s longtime friend and editor — posted on Instagram that Finch died by “defenestration” and mentions his East 12th Street apartment.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

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