The family of a 28-year-old worker killed after falling from a roof in Gurnee says his death has caused an indescribable amount of pain and they are donating money to charity in his honor.
An autopsy performed earlier this month showed that Braulio Lozano, 28, of Chicago, died as a result of blunt force injuries, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
The Gurnee Police Department and Gurnee Fire Department responded around 3:30 p.m. on February 2 to the 2000 block of Liberty Lane in Gurnee for a report of an emergency call.
Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that initial reports indicated a man had fallen off of the roof of a home.
Emergency crews arrived and found Lozano, who was unresponsive but breathing.
Paramedics administered medical aid and transported him to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Lozano was later pronounced dead at the hospital from his severe injuries, Gaylor said.
It was determined the man was working as part of a crew installing solar panels on the roof of a two-story home.
Gaylor said other workers were present on the roof at the time but they were on the opposite side of the home.
The other workers did not witness the accident but heard Lozano hit the ground.
It is unknown yet what led to the man falling from the roof. Foul play is not suspected, Gaylor said.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Labor confirmed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened an inspection of Blue Raven Solar, LLC, which is based out of Orem, Utah.
The spokesperson said Blue Raven Solar notified OSHA within the required eight-hour reporting period following the accident.
OSHA will complete its inspection within six months and issue citations or propose monetary penalties if they find violations of the federal workplace safety and health regulations, the spokesperson added.
Eladio Martinez said Lozano, who was his brother, was one of eight siblings and the youngest brother in the family.
“Braulio’s loss was sudden, unexpected, and has been difficult for family and friends. Words cannot describe the amount of pain, anguish and loss Braulio’s passing has caused,” Martinez said.
“Braulio was a healthy young man at 28 years old. Braulio was a beloved uncle to his nephews and nieces. Braulio was an avid music enthusiast and writer. Appreciated for his diverse taste, Braulio was often a source for new bands and movies. Braulio’s parents and siblings have been able to persevere through these treacherous times with the help and support of Braulio’s close friends who have been by Braulio’s side since the incident,” Martinez said.
Funeral services were held on February 7 in Chicago.
The family created a GoFundMe account to help pay for those funeral expenses. The account has raised over $10,000 in less than a week.
Martinez said the fundraiser collected well over its $5,000 goal and all funds over the goal will be donated to a charity, which the family is still working on deciding.
“Braulio will be forever missed. However, his memory will be carried on by those who knew him for the kind and compassionate person he was,” Martinez said.
The incident remains under investigation by the Gurnee Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).