Fundraiser Launched For Worker Killed In Brooklyn Building Collapse

BROOKLYN, NY — The family of a construction worker who was killed after a residential building partially collapsed early Friday afternoon in Borough Park is raising money to help his family and pay for his funeral.

Maria Tamay started a GoFundMe campaign for Juan Tamay Ganzhi's family after the 33-year-old died in Borough Park after the first floor of the two-story building at 1266 50th Street collapsed.

The campaign had raised nearly $2,500 toward a goal of $25,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.

"This unexpected tragedy has left behind Juan's two children and his wife expecting their third child soon. They now face an uncertain future without their devoted provider," Tamay said.

Ganzhi's family arrived at the site hours after the collapse on Friday, visibly emotional and grieving, according to a report by Pix11.

Ganzhi's wife told Univision that he had accepted the job out of necessity.

"Juan was not just a construction worker; he was a dedicated family man, known for his unconditional love and vibrant smile," Tamay said. "In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, we ask for your help in providing financial assistance during this challenging time."

Police and fire officials told Patch Friday that a two-story residential building was under construction at 1266 50th Street, when the first floor collapsed into the cellar.

Three people were inside when the middle of the floor collapsed, Assistant Chief Joseph Ferrante said.

One worker, Ganzhi, was trapped under the rubble, and firefighters shored up the collapsed floor and dug out dirt from underneath him to remove him. The two other workers managed to escape the building, officials said.

Department of Buildings records show that a partial stop work order had been issued for exterior work at the site, and the building owner was issued a $2,500 penalty for working without a permit on Jan. 4.

“The only work that should have been done at this site is to make this site safe and as you can see that stop work order was violated,” DOB Commissioner James Oddo said. “There are absolutely no plans submitted to the Department of Buildings so this fatality absolutely should not have happened.”

FDNY officials havae now requested an inspection due to the collapsed floor and did not have an estimated reason why the beam of the floor gave in.