Tragedy at O’Donnell Park parking garage

I will quote Milwaukee County First’s reaction to this event:

Disaster struck Milwaukee this afternoon as a large section of concrete fell off the side of the parking structure at O’Donnell park. The concrete struck three people, injuring two and killing a fifteen year old boy.

The Milwaukee Business Journal is reporting that OSHA is now involved and has closed the building until it is deemed safe, although the evening news showed that people were being allowed to retrieve their cars tonight.

We share Chairman Lee Holloway’s sentiment in his statement:

“First and foremost, my heart goes out to the individuals involved in this terrible collapse. Based on media reports, it’s my understanding that one child has perished and possibly two adults were injured.

“As Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, I am calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into this incident, as well as a review of all County facilities to make sure that they are structurally safe for our residents to use and enjoy.”

• • •

Now, on a more personal note, I was picking up my daughter from her summer camp a short time after this happened. I hadn’t heard about it until later in the evening, when I with her and our dog in a local park. I looked at her and thought how grateful I was that she was there, playing with our dog. I can’t imagine what the family of the young boy must be going through right now. My heart goes out to them for their most terrible loss.