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Alexei Rodriguez-Balceiro, 42 of the 430 block of East King Street in Lancaster, died at 3:20 p.m. following multiple attempts to save his life after he was pulled unconcious from an air vent shaft, the Lancaster City Bureau of Police and the County Coroner's Office announced on Monday.
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire was called to the hotel located at 26 East Chestnut Street in Lancaster at 2:53 p.m. on June 9, according to a release by the police.
The hotel staff had found Rodriguez-Balceiro unconscious and called 911, the police explained.
The police released the follow statement about how he ended up in the hole:
"It is currently believed that a steel grate was temporarily removed for maintenance work, resulting in the employee falling into the exposed hole. Despite the quick response and attempts at life-saving measures from first responders, the victim could not be revived."
Following an autopsy on Monday morning, Rodriguez-Balceiro's cause of death was confirmed to be due to Multiple Traumatic Injuries and the manner was ruled accidental, Lancaster County Deputy Chief Coroner Eric Bieber detailed in a release.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.
The Holiday Inn released the following statement regarding this workplace death:
"It is with deep regret and profound sadness that the Holiday Inn Lancaster PA confirms the unfortunate passing of one of our employees following a tragic incident at our hotel location on Sunday afternoon."The safety and well-being of our employees is our highest priority, and we are devastated by this loss. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time."Immediately following the incident, emergency services were called, and all necessary procedures were implemented to ensure the safety of other employees. We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities as they conduct a thorough investigation to understand the cause of this tragic event."In the meantime, we will be mobilizing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide counseling and support to all employees affected by this incident. We are also conducting an internal review to reinforce our commitment to workplace safety and to prevent such tragedies in the future."We ask that the privacy of the family and all those impacted be respected as we navigate through this difficult time."
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