Wind Suspected in Deadly Chicago Scaffolding Collapse

David O'Donnell, 27, was killed in the nine-story fall while a co-worker was seriously injured at the Chicago construction site.
June 7, 2024

Wind may have caused a scaffolding to break loose from a Hyde Park building leading to the death of a worker.

David O'Donnell, 27, of Oak Forest, was killed and another construction worker was seriously injured after falling nine stories, ABC7  reported.

The crew was on a site on the University Of Chicago Medical Center campus.

The nearest weather station at Midway Airport reported wind gusts of about 33 miles per hour around the time of the fall.

O'Donnell's father questioned why they were on the scaffolding on the windy day. 

His son was a union technical engineer. 

About the Author

Firehouse.com News

Content curated and written by Firehouse editorial staff, including Susan NicolPeter Matthews, Ryan Baker and Rich Dzierwa.

Sign up for Firehouse Newsletters

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!