CA CA - Los Angeles, HispMale "Paul Rafen", 50-60, suicide by jumping, Oct'51

[PropaneYeeter]

Found this case on NamUs. I searched genealogy sites for Paul Rafens born 1890-1902, but to no avail.

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)


Case Information


Case Numbers
NCMEC Number - N/A
ME/C Case Number - 1951-71550
Demographics
Sex - Male
Race / Ethnicity - Hispanic / Latino
Possible First Name - Paul
Possible Middle Name - N/A
Possible Last Name - Rafen
Possible Nickname - N/A
Estimated Age Group - Adult - Pre 60
Estimated Age Range (Years) - 50-60
Estimated Year of Death - 1951
Estimated PMI - N/A
Height - 5' 6"(66 inches) , Measured
Weight - 140 lbs, Measured
Circumstances
Type - Unidentified Deceased
Date Body Found - October 15, 1951
NamUs Case Created - June 27, 2018
ME/C QA Reviewed - N/A
Location Found Map
Location - Los Angeles, California
County - Los Angeles County
GPS Coordinates (Not Mapped)--
Circumstances of Recovery - At 0425 hours on 10/15/1951 the decedent apparently jumped from the roof of the Savoy Hotel and landed in the parking lot below. He was pronounced dead at scene. A suicide note in Spanish was found which indicated that the decedent's name was "Paul Rafen" and he was not from the USA.
Details of Recovery


Inventory of Remains- N/A
Condition of Remains - Not recognizable - Traumatic injuries
Physical Description
Hair Color - Gray or Partially Gray
Head Hair Description - N/A
Body Hair Description - N/A
Facial Hair Description - N/A
Left Eye Color - Brown
Right Eye Color - Brown
Eye Description - N/A
Distinctive Physical Features
No Information Entered

Clothing and Accessories
Item
Description
Clothing
Sport coat brown plaid, Light Green Shirt, Gray Pants, Brown shoes, undershirt and shorts
On the Body

No images or documents entered
No missing person exclusions listed
No contact information entered

 

[fred&edna]

It doesn't help in identifying this man, but I found myself looking at the history of the Savoy Hotel in LA during the late 40's and 50's. I learned this was where Milton Berle first started the Friars Club of California (abt 1947, IIRC). Many celebrities passed through the doors... some to entertain, some to enjoy the entertainment and backroom gambling. I guess my little jaunt into history just adds to the mystery of this man's identity.

 

[fred&edna]

I have been searching for variations on the spelling of Rafen - particularly a variation that would be Hispanic/Latino in origin, but I haven't found anything that makes me feel confident on a lead. It would be nice to see the full suicide note as it could contain more clues.