WORKER FALLS CONTINUE TO TAKE LIVES: Worker dies after falling from stage near Super Bowl stadium in Glendale, Arizona
January 15, 2015
Falls are the leading cause of worker death and or injuries.
GLENDALE, Ariz. - We're just a little over two weeks from Super Bowl 49 here in the valley.
On Thursday, we learned about a deadly accident at the site where the game will take place, University of Phoenix Stadium in the west valley.
The worker fell 35 feet to his death while setting up a structure for the Super Bowl. State investigators are trying to learn exactly how it happened.
His family lives in Goodyear and isn't speaking out until investigators figure out what happened.
31-year-old Ryan Lipman is used to working up high, setting up stages and larger than life structures for big events like concerts and the Super Bowl.
On Wednesday, Lipman was working more than 35 feet in the air, setting up metal dome structures for the big game when he fell. Investigators have not said why he fell, but the Industrial Commission of Arizona is investigating. Lipman's death is considered a workplace accident at this time.
On Facebook, we found dozens of posts from his friends and colleagues about his death.
"We just found out that a local stagehand & rigger lost his life today! Let's take a moment to remember him and all those who put their lives on the line everyday setting up the stage we are graced to play on. R.I.P. Ryan Lipman aka Scrappy."
And some of Lipman's friends tell us a medical condition could have been a factor in his death. Investigators say it may take up to six months to determine the cause.