WATCH: Man dies after falling close to 55 floors from the 70th floor of a building in downtown Toronto.
This article has been updated.
TORONTO – A Hamilton man died Friday afternoon after falling close to 55 floors from a building under construction and landing on an adjacent roof.
The incident occurred just after 12:30 p.m. at the Aura Condominium at 388 Yonge Street at Gerrard Street. The 78-storey tower is billed as “Canada’s tallest condominium.”
Kevin Raposo, who recently turned 29, was working on the 70th floor of the condo when he fell, dropping 181 metres before landing on the rooftop of the College Park Suites at 424 Yonge Street.
Toronto Fire Services Sgt. Mike Strapko said the metal clasp that holds his harness in place broke.
The force of the impact caused structural damage to the gravel rooftop. Raposo’s body remained at the scene, covered by an orange blanket, for more than seven hours before crews laid down support beams and pieces of plywood so investigators could examine it. His body was removed after dark.
Raposo worked for Verdi Alliance, which does concrete work. Friends remember him as an avid sports fan who loved heavy metal music.
On his Facebook page, Raposo’s girlfriend of two years wrote: “Why were you taken away, we made a promise to each other we would grow old together, we would spend every day happy in each others arms. I am devastated that someone so beautiful, amazing, someone I was proud to call mine was taken in such a way. Now I lay on your side of the bed caressing your things trying to understand. Please wait for me. We will be together again soon.”
The Minister of Labour is investigating the incident.
In a statement on Friday night, Reliance Construction said: “This is a very sad and difficult time for all involved. Our thoughts today are with the people involved in this incident as well as their families, friends and colleagues. Health and safety is an utmost priority for our company. Our team is cooperating fully with local police and authorities to investigate this matter.”
– with files by John R. Kennedy
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