David O’Donnell Oak Forest IL Death, Ironworker died after fall at University of Chicago Cancer

A tragic accident happened at the construction site for the University of Chicago Cancer Pavilion Project on Maryland Street near 57th Street in Hyde Park, claiming the life of a young ironworker and critically injuring another. The incident occurred around noon, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Two workers were on a scaffold for elevator shaft construction when strong winds, reaching gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, are believed to have caused the scaffolding to collapse.

The workers plummeted eight stories, falling through a ground-level pit, as confirmed by Chicago fire officials. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene. One worker, identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as 27-year-old David O’Donnell of Oak Forest, was found dead. The other worker was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Witnesses described the terrifying moment, recalling how the scaffold was swaying precariously before the collapse. In the aftermath, the scaffold was secured to the building to prevent further incidents. David O’Donnell’s father expressed profound grief and frustration, emphasizing the senselessness of the tragedy. “He was loved dearly,” he said, questioning why work continued despite the hazardous weather conditions.

The Chicago Fire Department and other relevant authorities are likely to conduct thorough investigations to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to prevent such tragedies in the future.

David O’Donnell’s obituary will be released by the family