Crews recover 5th body of missing worker from Baltimore bridge collapse site
BALTIMORE, Md. (WDCW) – Unified Command crews said Wednesday that they had recovered the body of a fifth construction worker who died when Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in March.
The body of Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, from Glen Burnie, Maryland, was found within a red construction truck, according to Wednesday's update.
The 49-year-old was one of several workers who plunged into the water when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in the early morning on March 26, having been struck by the container ship Dali.
Two of the workers survived, while six were presumed dead following rescue efforts. One of the six, identified as Jose Mynor Lopez, has yet to be found.
“We remain dedicated to the ongoing recovery operations while knowing behind each person lost in this tragedy lies a loving family,” Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., the superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, said in a statement included with Wednesday's announcement. “Along with our local, state and federal partners, we ask that everyone extend their deepest sympathies and support to the families during this difficult time.”
Officials with the FBI, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the Maryland State Police — along with the department's underwater unit — were part of the recovery crew that found the fifth body, per Wednesday's announcement.
A memorial for the victims near the south end of the bridge has grown in recent weeks to include six large wooden crosses decorated with flags from the victims’ home countries. A painted canvas backdrop displays abstract scenes from the bridge collapse and salvage efforts as well as handwritten notes from the men’s loved ones.
“We want to send a message to the world that we’re here and we care,” said the artist, Roberto Marquez, during a visit to the bridge in late April. “We will be here working until they are all recovered.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.