A window washer, James Stinson, 61, working for Barry's Window Cleaning, died Tuesday after falling from the top of an eight-floor high-rise condo complex in downtown San Diego.

A window washer, James Stinson, 61, working for Barry's Window Cleaning, died Tuesday after falling from the top of an eight-floor high-rise condo complex in downtown San Diego.

Window Washing Company That Employed Fallen Employee Has History of Safety Violations
By NBC 7 Staff
June 12, 2018



James Stinson, 61, was a grandfather who lived in Jamul.
A window washer, James Stinson, 61, 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.

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.

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.

About Barry's Window Cleaning

 

Barry's Window Cleaning has been servicing the Great San Diego area for over 30-years.  We are a woman owned, family run business bringing over 35yrs of window cleaning experience to your facility.

 Specializing in High-mid rise Residential Window Cleaning 

 

Our company is based on the belief that our customers' and residence needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.

 

We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry. 

 

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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The Medical Examiner identified a man who fell to his death while cleaning windows at a downtown San Diego building as a 61-year-old James Stinson of Jamul.

"My dad has been high-rise window washing since he was about 17 years old," Stinson's daughter, Ali, said. "I'm still in shock. It doesn't feel real."

Stinson was an employee of Barry's Window Cleaning. 10News reached out to the business for comment but has not heard back.

San Diego police responded to a report of a person falling from a building at 1160 J Street shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday. Police said there were conflicting reports whether the man fell from eight stories or five stories.

Police said the victim was transported UC San Diego Medical Center where he died from his injuries. Details on what led to his fall were not immediately available.

A GoFundMe account has been established to help the family with funeral costs and other expenses.

 

Cal/OSHA is investigating the incident as well. In a statement to 10News, the agency said their investigation could take three to six months.

"Cal/OSHA is investigating and has six months to issue citations for any violations of workplace safety regulations," the statement read.