Justice sought for construction worker who fell to his death in uptown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Work resumed Wednesday morning at an uptown Charlotte construction site where a week ago, a worker fell to his death. Around 10 a.m., a dozen community members and union leaders gathered at the site to call for accountability and justice.

The group gathered at the Legacy Union Tower to host a news conference, stating they want to make sure Juventino Mata-Hernandez's death will not be forgotten. The group included a member of Mata-Hernandez's family, leaders of the Hispanic community, and City Councilman Braxton Winston.

“It’s been said blood makes poor mortar,” Winston said. “We know that better than ever.”

On May 24, Mata-Hernandez fell out of an elevator on the 19th floor of what will be a skyscraper known as the Legacy. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is still investigating the cause of the accident.

Mata-Hernandez's family member Mauricio Gonzalez said Mata-Hernandez's body was sent back to Mexico for his funeral, leaving behind his dreams and his family. Even with an investigation, Gonzalez said he can't trust that anymore.

"Honestly, I don't have a trust," Gonzalez said. "But, I promised to his parents that I want to fight for find everything and do the best for them."

Following the incident, an electrician hired for the project quit after he reported not feeling safe on the construction site.

Channel 9 investigated the construction company, Gilbane Building Company, and the Department of Labor recorded 10 site violations in the past five years. None of those violations were in the Carolinas.

The Legacy tower is anticipated to be 33 stories tall and has been under construction for several months. It is scheduled to open next year.

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