Victims Remembered One Year After Collapse Of New Orleans Hotel

Monday marks the one-year anniversary of the collapse of New Orleans' Hard Rock Hotel that killed three people and injured dozens more. On October 12, 2019, three construction workers were killed when parts of the 18-story building collapsed. Only one body, that of Anthony Magrette, was recovered at the time. In August, 10 months after the initial incident, the bodies of Quinnyon Wimberly and Jose Ponce Arreola were finally recovered.

According to 4WWL, Eye Witness News investigators found evidence of improper structural work, negligent inspectors, and other factors that could have led to the deadly collapse. Though there are plans to demolish the building, the process is moving slow due to issues between the city and the building owner 1031 Canal Development.

"One year ago, our lives were irrevocable changed by the collapse at the Hard Rock Hotel site," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement. "Three families began a harrowing journey filled with loss, uncertainty, pain, frustration and — only after too many months — a small measure of closure."

She continued, "Today we remember and say the names of the three residents we lost — Anthony Floyd Magrette, Jose Ponce Arreola, Quinnyon Wimberly — and remain committed to safely bringing down the building and holding those responsible to account."

According to 4WWL, the three men who died will be honored with a memorial.

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