Downers Grove man falls to death in Iowa elevator shaft

AMES, Iowa -- Ames police say a Downers Grove man who fell to his death down an elevator shaft had been shoved against an elevator door that gave way.

Police say 19-year-old Robert Pawlak was in Ames to visit a friend, Michael Foody. The two were at a gathering on the seventh floor of a building when they left with a third person early Saturday.

While waiting for the elevator, police say Foody pushed Pawlak into the doors, which gave way. Pawlak fell to the bottom of the shaft and died.

Police say the death is considered accidental.