Investigation Reopened in 49ers Stadium Fatality

October 25, 2013

California labor officials have reopened an investigation into a deadly construction accident at the 49ers Levi’s Stadium, the first of two workplace fatalities on the site this year.

The California Department of Occupational Safety and Health said Wednesday that it has rescinded its “no violation” decision for subcontractor Shindler in the death of 63-year-old mechanic Don White. White was killed on June 11 by an elevator counterweight.

The agency did not explain its decision. It sent Shindler a notice informing the company it was reopening the investigation on Oct. 14, the same day 61-year-old Edward Lake Jr. was killed at the stadium site when a load of rebar fell on him. Cal OSHA is also investigating that incident.

The new $1.2 billion stadium is slated to open in 2014 in Santa Clara, Calif.