Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with new information as of 6:50 p.m.
A 46 year old electrical worker has died after a 75 foot fall from a catwalk at approximately 8 a.m. this morning. The man was working on the new Little Caesars Arena.
“When we arrived, he was found in cardiac arrest and they did CPR and he was transported to the Detroit Medical Center Receiving Hospital,” Detroit Fire Department Deputy Commissioner Dave Fornell told CBS Detroit.
The worker was pronounced dead at the hospital. Workers at the arena have been sent home.
“A serious incident occurred at the job site today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual and his family. We are gathering more information and additional details will be provided when appropriate,” said Ryan Maieabach, CEO of Barton Mallow, in a brief statement released today.
New, 6:50 p.m: A name and Detroit police are now suspecting suicide.
The name of the fallen 46 year old was Michael Morrison, an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers member, according to the IBEW 58 Facebook page.
Detroit police believe at this point that the incident this morning was a suicide.
“Based on our investigation, he climbed on that scaffolding with the intent of committing suicide,” says Detroit Police spokesman Michael Woody in the Detroit News. This is conclusion was drawn after police interviewed other workers and witnesses.
“Our thoughts, condolences and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers affected by this tragedy,” said Doug Kuiper, vice president of corporate communications for the Ilitch company in a statement. “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.”