Worker dies after falling 75 feet off catwalk at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena

46-year-old man dies after fall

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. 

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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About the Authors:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional.

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.