Columbia police are investigating the deaths of a young couple found naked on a city street after apparently falling four stories from a rooftop.

The man and woman, Chelsea Tumbleston and Brent Tyler, were in their early 20s. They were both servers at Wild Wing Cafe in Columbia's Vista.

Shortly after 5am Wednesday, authorities say a taxi driver found the two nude bodies on Laurel Street between Gadsden and Assembly streets in downtown Columbia.

Police Chief Dean Crisp said it appears the people fell from the roof of 1812 Lincoln Street. The roof is pyramid-shaped metal, likely slick on a damp morning.

The two were alive when found but were pronounced dead after being taken to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital.

McCants says the preliminary investigation appears to show the couple died accidentally. She says there were no indications of foul play.

Clothing was discovered on the roof, about 50 feet above the street. And that leads authorities to suspect the man and woman may have been having sex.

The incident happened near the Old Chamber of Commerce building in downtown Columbia near Finlay Park.

The names of the victims have not been released.

An eyewitness account was given to police by a homeless couple sleeping in the garage last night.

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