A window washer died Tuesday after falling from the top of an eight-floor high-rise condo complex in downtown San Diego.
The worker, identified as 61-year-old James Stinson from Jamul, was rushed to the hospital just before 9 a.m. from the building at 11th and J Streets. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, San Diego police said.
Investigators say Stinson was in his harness preparing to wash windows on the second floor of the Metrome Condo complex when he repelled from the top and fell eight stories to the ground, Lt. Christian Sharp said.
[images] Window Washer Dies After Fall from East Village Condo Complex
The investigation will look into what caused the man to fall, Sharp said.
A coworker of Stinson's told NBC 7 he was a fearless and kind father and grandfather. He also said Stinson loved soccer and was one of the smartest people he knew.
Employees from other jobs and window washing companies stopped by the scene Tuesday to see if Stinson was someone they may have known.
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The 8-story building with more than 180 units is located across the street from the San Diego Public Library and about a block from Petco Park in the East Village neighborhood.
Cal/OSHA officials said they were notified of the fatality and have launched an investigation. Similar cases may take up to six months to determine a cause, officials said.
The Lakeside company Barry's Window Cleaning was last cited in February 2015 according to the U.S. Department of Labor website.
It was also cited in 2014 for ten safety violations and fined thousands of dollars by Cal/OSHA.
NBC 7 reached out to Barry's for comment and has not heard back.
