Another high profile site death further tarnishes tragic year.
An operator of an excavator at the Gap Inc. distribution centre died Saturday after a piece of steel beam pierced the cab, according to state police.
The operator of the Komatsu excavator was pronounced dead at the scene. DemolitionNews understands that the man killed is industry veteran Jim Parisella.
The incident happened around 2:38 p.m. in the area of where demolition work was being performed following an Aug. 29 fire that destroyed Building 100, a 1.3 million-square-foot facility.
Gap spokesperson Debbie Felix said in a statement that the company was sad to hear the “tragic” news.
“We were truly saddened to learn about the tragic loss of a construction contractor at our distribution center in Fishkill today,” she said. “We want to extend our deepest sympathies to the individual’s family, friends and fellow crew members.”
The operator worked for Environmental Remediation Services Inc. of Syracuse, according to state police.
The company had been subcontracted by Clayco Contractors of Chicago, which has been contracted to do the demolition and rebuild work.
The company has been working at the Gap site since November 16, police said.
