Anthony Esposito
- Male
- Died Sep 04, 2008
- Manhattan, New York, United States
About
Construction Worker Dies
A construction worker fell about 40 stories to his death yesterday at a skyscraper being built by the developer of the World Trade Center, authorities said.
The victim, identified as Anthony Esposito, a rigger on a crew dismantling a crane, fell either from the crane or a 20-foot, movable walkway linking it to the glass-walled midtown Manhattan skyscraper, said Deputy Fire Chief Anthony DeVita.
An impromptu memorial service was held inside the fenced construction lot where Esposito landed, apparently killed instantly.
"This happens. We live with that," said stoic ironworker Luis Guzman, who had been getting his tools together to head to the roof when Esposito fell nearby. Another ironworker, Jim Bradfield, said it appeared that Esposito had on a safety harness.
The accident happened at 600 W. 42nd St., where trade center developer Larry Silverstein is building two 60-story luxury apartment buildings. Construction began last fall on the development, called Silver Towers at River Place.
The general contractor, Gotham Construction Co. LLC, identified the victim as an employee of DFC Structures Inc., a subcontractor.
A woman answering the phone at DFC Structures said only that "everybody is grieving." Gotham said that "everyone is cooperating" with government agencies investigating the accident.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident, and all our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Anthony Esposito," it said in a statement.
The Department of Buildings halted work at both towers while the accident is investigated but allowed the crane dismantling to continue to a safe point. DeVita said there were no structural problems with the crane or the tower.
More than 20 people have died in city construction accidents this year, including nine in two crane collapses. A window worker died last week after falling 12 stories from a Manhattan building.
The city's buildings commissioner was replaced and dozens of new construction safety rules created after the spate of accidents.
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Sad. Saying a prayer for you
John Mannarino Jul 26, 2012
I was one of the plumbers that day watching you guys work. I was setting tubs that morning on the 42nd floor.
We were having our coffee break when the tragedy happened. Not many seen what i seen and visions are still in my head. The name stayed fresh in my head for years. I say a prayer evertime i drive by 42nd 11th. Im workin across the st at 44th n 11th now and there takin that crane down now. Watchin them today put that terrible day fresh in my head again. Just wanted to share and get this off my chest. RIP. Glad i found this
Missing Piece
Peter V. Dugan Sep 02, 2010
You could always bring us together
And the bad news, the sad news traveled fast
The sky even cried the night you died
And we met to say good-bye
And we shared our memories of the good times
The shopping center, the Inn, the Pub . . .
Nights at the Arboretum, Speaks, OBI . . .
Grateful Dead, Aerosmith, Blue Oyster Cult . . .
Driving around or just hanging out
There was always your quick wit and devilish smile
You could always be counted on
As a friend, a backup and a brother
And now it’s been two years since you left us
But we when we get together
You’re still with us in our hearts
We love you and miss you
The picture of your bike
Parked without a rider
Says it all
jerilyn (Sep 02, 2010)
thinking of u
jerilyn Mar 27, 2010
The importance of Love and Family
Jim Veltre Nov 14, 2009