BERKELEY — The death of a construction worker who fell some 30 feet off scaffolding at a Berkeley elementary school last week remains under investigation by police and Cal/OSHA, authorities said.
Jonathan Dillard Guidi, 41, of Sacramento, the father of seven children, died at a hospital from injuries suffered at Sylvia Mendez Elementary School, 2840 Ellsworth St.
His fall happened at about 12:50 p.m. on July 24. Authorities said he dropped about 30 feet to the concrete below while installing scaffolding, authorities said.
The school has been undergoing renovations over the summer and had no summer programs going on at the time.
Berkeley police said the death is an active investigation and no other details would be released.
Cal/OSHA said they also have an active investigation and that no additional details are available at this time. The state agency said it “has up to six months to issue citations if any violations of workplace safety regulations are identified.”
The Berkeley Unified School District officials said in a statement they were saddened about Guidi’s death.
“We value the many contractors and subcontractors who are involved in renovating our schools,” the statement said. “The family and construction crew are in our thoughts today. We send them strength and comfort at this difficult time.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up for his family to help pay for funeral expenses, immediate living costs and children’s needs, among other things. As of Thursday morning, $27,845 had been contributed toward a goal of $35,000
A narrative by a relative on the account said “JD was the heart of every room he entered — the kind of person who lit up a space with his laugh, his goofy jokes, and his even goofier dance moves. He made everyone feel welcome, often opening his home to friends and family in need. He had the biggest heart and always put others first. There are simply no words to describe the hole his absence leaves behind.”
He was his family’s primary financial provider, according to the narrative.
Those wishing to donate can access the account at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mama-kids-after-sudden-loss-of-father.
