CLEVELAND, Ohio — A construction worker died at the Sherwin-Williams parking garage early Friday morning.
News 5's Overnight News Tracker Mike Vielhaber followed Cleveland Fire and EMS as they swarmed the parking deck next to what soon will be the Sherwin-Williams headquarters Downtown.
Fatal construction accident inside the parking deck at the new Sherwin Williams building site downtown overnight. EMS says a man was killed around 12:15am. pic.twitter.com/5AI4XDbXj3
— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) July 11, 2025
They were called to the area of West 3rd Street just after midnight.
According to Cleveland Fire and Cleveland EMS, a 48-year-old worker got into an accident on a forklift, saying the forklift toppled over onto him.
Laborers Local 310 identified the worker as Joe Cunningham in a statement posted on Facebook:
"There are no words strong enough for a loss like this. Joe was a dedicated laborer, a proud union man, and someone who showed up each day ready to work hard, shoulder to shoulder with his brothers and sisters. He was part of the backbone of this project—and of the working class that builds this city from the ground up."
Cleveland EMS said that he died on the scene.
No other workers were injured.
The new Sherwin-Williams headquarters, as well as the parking garage, have been under construction for the last several years.
According to the company, employees are set to move into the new facility in early 2026.
Mayor Justin Bibb recognized Cunningham in a post on social media:
"This tragedy reminds us that jobs in the building trades not only require great skill but also make physical demands that many of us do not face. I mourn the loss of Joe Cunningham & offer my deep condolences to his family, loved ones, & brothers & sisters in Laborers Local 310."
Sherwin-Williams released the following statement:
“We are saddened to share that shortly after midnight this morning, a laborer working for a site services trade contractor, was fatally injured in an accident involving a forklift. Emergency response was immediately notified and was quickly on the scene. No one else was injured. We share our deepest sympathies with the family, loved ones, and co-workers. Safety remains our highest priority, and we are supporting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
OSHA is investigating.
