For a second time, tragedy called a halt to construction on the San Francisco 49ers new Levi’s Stadium. Monday morning, 61 year-old truck driver Edward Erving Lake, Jr. of Vacaville died as a result of injuries when rebar that he was unloading fell on him, according to Cal/OSHA, which is investigating the accident. The agency has not released any further details.
“Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers affected by this tragedy,” the 49ers said in a brief statement on Monday.
Santa Clara police have concluded their inquiry, according to SCPD PIO Kurt Clark, finding no evidence of anything criminal. Cal/OSHA permitted stadium construction to resume on Tuesday, as the safety agency continues its investigations.
Lake was an employee of Gerdau specialty steel company, a subcontractor to stadium builder Turner-Devcon, and has local fabrication operations in Fairfield and Napa.
“Gerdau is saddened to confirm that an employee at our Napa Reinforcing Steel facility passed away after a serious incident this morning at the Levi Stadium construction site in Santa Clara, Calif.,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.”
Lake was someone who loved his work, according to a San Francisco Chronicle interview with a neighbor on Monday, and was well-respected by friends and colleagues. The family has declined to speak with media.