Bed Bath & Beyond executive Gustavo Arnal’s deadly leap from his swanky Tribeca high-rise apartment was officially ruled a suicide by the city’s medical examiner Monday.
Arnal, who was CFO of the company before his death, jumped off the 18th story of the luxurious “Jenga Building” Friday afternoon as the retail company dealt with financial troubles and he faced accusations connected to a $1.2 billion “pump-and-dump” stock fraud lawsuit filed last month.
The medical examiner’s office ruled Arnal died from multiple blunt trauma.
The 52-year-old committed suicide while his wife was inside their apartment and he didn’t leave a note explaining the fatal plunge, law enforcement sources have told The Post.
Arnal, a native of Venezuela and the father of two grown daughters, joined Bed Bath & Beyond in May 2020. The company in a statement Sunday credited the “distinguished global” exec with getting it through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Gustavo will be remembered by all he worked with for his leadership, talent and stewardship of our Company,” said board of directors chairman Harriet Edelman in a statement. “… Our focus is on supporting his family and his team and our thoughts are with them during this sad and difficult time.”
Days before his death, the retail giant announced it was going to shutter 150 stores and slash 20% of its workforce.
Arnal, who previously worked at Avon, Walgreen Boots Alliance and Procter & Gamble, was part of an Aug. 23 lawsuit that accused him and others of artificially inflating Bed Bath & Beyond’s share price.
The company told The Post in a statement Sunday, “We will not comment on litigation and ask that you please respect Mr. Arnal’s family and their privacy at this time.”
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 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
