The pair checked into the penthouse suite of the Gotham Hotel in Manhattan at about 6pm local time on Thursday, police said.

They apparently fell 23 floors and were found on a second-floor balcony about 8.15am on Friday in the rear courtyard of the hotel, they said.

Law enforcement officials identified the woman as Stephanie Adams and her son as Vincent.

The officials said she was involved in a custody dispute over Vincent with her estranged husband, a Manhattan chiropractor named Charles Nicolai.

They said police had been called to their home several times in the past few months.

The New York Post profiled Ms Adams in 2013, saying that she had by then written more than 25 self-help books, ran an online beauty products company and managed the finances in her husband's office.

She appeared in Playboy in 2003, worked with Elite Model Management and had two business degrees, according to the profile.

"The stereotypes are sexist and unfair," Ms Adams said in the profile. "Just because I look a certain way and have expensive tastes, it doesn't mean I'm shallow.

"Style and looks don't mean lack of brains, sweetheart!"

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.

Multicultural Mental Health Australia www.mmha.org.au.

Local Aboriginal Medical Service details available from www.bettertoknow.org.au/AMS

Australian Associated Press