Climber couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building antenna for apparent marriage proposal
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Two Russian climbers, known for their "rooftopping" exploits, were arrested after scaling the Empire State Building.
- The climbers, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, were reportedly attempting a marriage proposal.
- Their daring stunts have previously been documented in the 2024 Netflix film โSkywalkers: A Love Story.โ
A daredevil couple known for scaling skyscrapers was arrested after climbing the antenna of the Empire State Building in New York City. Russian climbers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, who gained notoriety for their "rooftopping" adventures, were taken into custody by authorities.
The pair's ascent to the top of the iconic New York landmark was reportedly part of an elaborate marriage proposal. Nikolau and Beerkus have built a following through their high-risk stunts, often documenting their climbs on social media and sharing breathtaking views from extreme heights.
Their exploits, which involve reaching the summits of some of the world's tallest structures without safety equipment, were the subject of the 2024 Netflix documentary โSkywalkers: A Love Story.โ The film chronicled their dangerous hobby and their romantic relationship, highlighting the thrill-seeking lifestyle they embrace. The Empire State Building incident adds another chapter to their history of controversial climbs.
Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.