Man falls 80 feet to his death at University City construction site

A 42-year-old carpenter fell 80 feet to his death at a construction site Friday morning in the city's University City section, police said.

The accident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. in the 2900 block of Chestnut Street at the Cira Centre South high-rise project, police said. The man, whose name was not released, was transported by medics to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:43 a.m.

Work was suspended at the site immediately following the accident, said Chris McFadden, a spokesman for Turner Construction Co.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time. Grief counselors will be available to support friends and coworkers in the days and weeks ahead," McFadden said. "We are providing our full support to OSHA, Philadelphia Licenses and Inspections and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments as they investigate the cause of the incident. We will also conduct our own investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident." - Robert Moran