A construction worker killed in St. Paul’s Phalen Regional Park this week was fatally injured when a stone fell on him as he worked to build an archway.
According to a police report, Cory Buerke, 38, of Cottage Grove died shortly after being taken to Regions Hospital following the Tuesday afternoon incident.
The stone fell from the top of the archway structure, which was about 12 feet high. The archway is part of the new China Garden being constructed in the East Side park.
The local investigation into Buerke’s death is closed as the incident appears to be an accident, according to police. However, the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened a state investigation Wednesday.
Buerke’s employer, Golden Valley-based Acoustics Associates, released a statement regarding the incident:
“Our hearts are broken tonight as we grieve the loss of a truly wonderful man. As a company, our prayers are with Cory’s family and loved ones. Days like today are simply too painful for words. … We ask that you keep Cory’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
A GoFundMe account has been established to support his wife, Lucy, and family.