San Diego

Iron Worker Killed in Fall at Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley Identified

The SDSO said fellow workers, school staff and teachers may have witnessed the fall.

An ironworker who fell to his death at Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley has been identified.

Deputies have identified him as Jose Arturo Navarro, 30, who resided in Bakersfield, California.

Navarro fell from a beam attached to a 30-foot platform around 2 p.m. Wednesday, said the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

California OSHA, who is investigating the accident, said Navarro fell about 30 feet at a construction worksite. At the time of the fall, he was connecting beams when one fell.

Another worker was also injured, but they were considered minor, according to Cal/OSHA.

Deputies, a school resource officer, and responding medics, rendered first aid to Navarro before he was transported to Grossmont Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The accident happened hours after a topping out ceremony, a celebration marking the installation of a structure's highest element. Students, staff, and contractors signed the final beam before it was hoisted and put in place.

The SDSO said fellow workers, school staff, and teachers may have witnessed the fall. Crisis counselors will be on campus on Thursday.

Cal/OSHA said they have up to six months to issue any citations if they are warranted.

Monte Vista High School is located at 3230 Sweetwater Springs Boulevard.

No other information was available.

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