AN Australian diplomat who fell to his death from a New York apartment block this week was a former student of The Scots School in Albury.
Julian Simpson, 30, attended the school between 1997 and 2005 when he completed his HSC.
He was the youngest of three brothers to attend The Scots School.
The New York Police Department has confirmed Mr Simpson died when he slipped over a railing at his Lower East Side apartment just after 1.40am US time on Wednesday.
He had been out with his wife, Lauren Waugh, and friends celebrating the Australian same-sex marriage 'Yes' result before they returned home to admire the view of the Empire State Building, which was lit up in rainbow colours.
“Upon investigation, it was determined that he sat on the balcony railing and lost his balance and fell off,” a NYPD spokesman said.
“No criminality is suspected at this time and the investigation is ongoing.”
Police were told by members of the group that Mr Simpson may have been playing a "trust game" with a friend when he slipped off the seventh-floor balcony.
Mr Simpson’s older brothers to attend The Scots School were Lachlan and Gareth.
The Scots School declined to comment when contacted by The Border Mail but it is believed Mr Simpson’s family lived in the Yackandandah area.
Foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop said in a statement: “Julian was a diligent, professional and highly skilled diplomat, whose support I valued, particularly during UN Leaders' Week.
“He will be remembered as someone dedicated to the service of our nation as a member of Australia's foreign service.”
Ms Bishop said her department would continue to provide support to Mr Simpson's family and to other Australian diplomats in New York.
