Construction Safety
Fatal Worker Fall at Detroit Arena Is Believed a Suicide
Max Overload Workers had been on site six days a week while excavating the hole for the arena’s bowl. Photos courtesy of Olympia Development of Michigan
The June 28 fatal fall of an electrical worker at the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit is being considered a possible suicide. “After a review … we have reached a preliminary conclusion that this was not the result of a construction-related accident,” said Ryan Maibach, CEO of project contractor Barton Malow-Hunt/White of the death of Michael Morrison, 46, who fell 75 ft. Witnesses claim he had not been wearing fall-protection gear. “We’re leaning toward a suicide,” said Detroit Police spokesman Michael Woody. The arena is set to open in September.
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