Confirming his death in a statement released Sunday afternoon, the company praised Arnal, 52, for his leadership and said he was “instrumental in guiding the organization throughout the coronavirus pandemic” after he joined the company in the spring of 2020. Arnal was found dead in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, according to the New York Police Department. Around 12:30 p.m. local time, officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious person in the area of Leonard Street and West Broadway, near Arnal’s residence at 56 Leonard St. The high-rise apartment complex is commonly known as the Jenga Building due to its irregular construction, with 57 floors stacked on top of each other in a pattern reminiscent of a game of building blocks. In a statement Sunday, the NYPD said Arnall “appeared to be suffering from injuries consistent with a fall from an elevated position.” The New York City medical examiner’s office later ruled Arnal’s death a suicide, according to the New York Times. CBS News reached out to the medical examiner’s office for confirmation but did not immediately receive a response. Days before his death, Bed Bath & Beyond announced plans to close 150 stores and cut 20% of its corporate and supply chain staff. The company’s shares fell 25% after a prolonged period of steady sales decline. On Sunday, the company said it was “deeply saddened by this shocking loss.” “I want to express our sincere condolences to Gustavo’s family. Gustavo will be remembered by all who he worked with for the leadership, talent and management of our Company. I am proud to have been his colleague and he will be truly missed by all of us at Bed Bath & Beyond and all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” said Harriet Edelman, Bed Bath & Beyond’s independent chairman of the board. “Our focus goes out to his family and team, and our thoughts is with them during this sad and difficult time. Join us in respecting the family’s privacy.” If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For more information about mental health care resources and support, you can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email [email protected]
