DETROIT – An electrical worker died Wednesday morning after falling 75 feet off a catwalk at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Deputy Detroit Fire Commissioner David Fornell says the 46-year-old man was in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived about 8 a.m.
Other workers had started cardiopulmonary resuscitation which first responders continued. The man was taken to a Detroit hospital where he was pronounced dead.
He was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital. The 46-year-old man has died.
The District contractors go home early after worker falls to his death building Little Cesar's arena. Continuing coverage on Local 4 News. pic.twitter.com/JHF8D8y56Q
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) June 28, 2017
Fornell says officials were told the man was an electrical worker and may have fallen from a catwalk. He says the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration likely will investigate.
Ryan Maibach, CEO of Barton Mallow, said additional details would be given when appropriate.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual and his family," Maibach said.
It is unclear when construction will resume.
Here's a statement from the Barton Malow Company:
"After a review of the facts surrounding today's tragic event, we have reached a preliminary conclusion that this event was not the result of a construction-related accident. Additional information may become available as the Detroit Police Department concludes their investigation.
"We see our work as an opportunity to positively impact people and our priority is always the safety, health and welfare of the over 1200 tradesmen and women onsite. Barton Malow-Hunt/White will be making grief counselors and chaplains available to all employees upon their return to work tomorrow morning."
Ilitch Holdings released the following statement:
“Our thoughts, condolences and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers affected by this tragedy. We lost a member of our crew today, and it is an extremely sad and difficult time for our entire organization and for the many dedicated men and women building this project. The safety and security of everyone on our job sites remains our highest priority, and more information will be shared as it becomes available throughout the investigation.”
The arena will be home to the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and the NBA's Pistons. It is scheduled to open this fall.
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