Worker Killed In Construction Accident Identified
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Worker Killed In Construction Accident Identified
A 49-year-old construction company worker died Friday when a large metal beam fell on him.
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(July 11, 2008)—Police have identified the worker who died Friday morning after a large metal beam fell on him as Jimmy Ralph Downing, 49, of Bellmead.

Downing worked for Barsh Construction, police said.

The accident happened around 8 a.m. at what used to be the Waco Target store near the intersection of Sanger Avenue and North Highway 6 in Waco.

A construction crew was installing steel beams for a building addition when one of beams fell after it had been tack welded in place, striking Downing.

Paramedics performed CPR on Downing at the scene.

He was taken to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Waco police taped off the scene at the construction site while an investigation was underway.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified of the worksite fatality.

Latest Comments

Posted by: April thornton Location: ottawa kansas on Jul 7, 2010 at 09:08 PM

jimmy is my dad. It has been almost 2years since his accident. I miss him very much. Thanks for everyones prayers. and thanks to the people that still remember him. I also want to thank the off duty medical people that arrived first on the scene and tried to help my dad, I wish I could tell you how greatfull I am for trying to help.
Posted by: Jeff Gooch Location: Santa Fe on Jun 19, 2009 at 04:12 PM

I worked with jimmy and was 30 feet away when this happened. I knew him for two weeks and he said two days before that someone was going to get killed if we weren't more carefull. I am truley sorry for everyone's loss. RIP
Posted by: Tracy Location: Lake Jackson, TX on Jul 18, 2008 at 06:28 PM

Jimmy Downing was - and still is - my brother. I sit here with tears in my eyes, a week after his death, and still can't believe he is gone. I have talked with the individuals at Barsh Construction, and they are grieving as well. Barsh considered Jimmy to be a member of their extended family. I don't blame the photographers or editors for airing this story... The hard part is that this story can't tell anyone how hard Jimmy worked or how much he loved his daughter and his family. This story doesn't tell that he survived cancer or survived losing his parents in recent years. This story doesn't tell that he loved to fish, and that he loved the beach. It doesn't mention any of the details that endeared him to his family and friends. He was a proud, strong man, with his own opinions and views. As depicted here, he was only a victim. In his life, he not a victim - he was a survivor. He was my big brother, and I will cherish his memory the rest of my life. God bless, and take care.
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