The investigation continues into the death of a man who fell from the new federal courthouse under construction in Cedar Rapids. Fourty-six-year-old Terry Simmons of Iowa City was the project manager. Authorities believe Simmons fell from the roof of the building which is eight stories high.
Since 2003, Simmons had worked for Ryan Companies, the general contractor on the project. Ryan Companies president Mark Gullickson says there were no witnesses to Simmons’ fall. “Construction is a difficult, dangerous business and bad things do happen. We value safety very highly,” Gullickson said. “Terry was very much involved in all aspects of the construction of this (building). He was a valued employee in terms of his knowledge-base, in fact, he was a roofing expert.”
The accident happened around 2:30 Tuesday afternoon. Simmons’ body was discovered near what will be the front entrance to the courthouse. Simmons was married with four sons, the oldest is 20-year-old Calvin Simmons.
“We’re all working together, my brothers and I…it’s nice we have each other and can support each other as we’re going through this,” Calvin said. The funeral for Terry Simmons is scheduled for this weekend with burial Sunday in Solon. The $160 million federal courthouse in Cedar Rapids is due for completion in fall 2012.
By Chris Earl, KCRG, Cedar Rapids