A resident of a senior high rise in Oakmont died in a fall this morning from her bedroom window.

Allegheny County homicide detectives are investigating the manner of death for Loretta Benzel, 89.

Staff at the Presbyterian SeniorCare complex said, however, they believe Mrs. Benzel's death was a suicide.

"It's an extremely difficult situation for the staff as well as her [relatives], because the residents are like family to us," said Pat Kornick, spokeswoman for Presbyterian SeniorCare.

"This is the first time in our 81-year-history that we've had this type of situation," Ms. Kornick added.

Mrs. Benzel, who was widowed, had been living in a third-floor room in the Willows building since late in July. The residence is staffed with skilled nurses.

The campus has separate facilities for Alzheimer patients, assisted living and for those who require skilled nursing available around the clock, Ms. Kornick said.

Around 6 a.m. today, a staff member was on the way to Mrs. Benzel's room with a cup of tea when the nurse heard a loud thump outside.

Staff rushed to Mrs. Benzel's aid, administering CPR and maintaining their client's pulse until paramedics arrived.

Mrs. Benzel was pronounced dead by medics at the scene around 6:30 a.m., the county medical examiner said.