LONG BEACH, CA — A 54-year-old man who died when a wall collapsed during expansion work at a Long Beach women's shelter was mourned by the city's mayor Wednesday.
The victim was working on a trench wall at about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Long Beach Rescue Mission Lydia House shelter for women and children in the 1400 block of Pacific Avenue when the power cable trench fell in, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
A man inside the trench was killed, while two others sustained minor injuries, police said.
The deceased victim was identified as Martin Rodriguez, who died of mechanical asphyxia beneath a pile of dirt and rubble at a construction site, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office, which ruled the death accidental.
"I am heartbroken by the tragic accident at one of our partners' shelter sites that claimed the life of a longtime worker and injured two others," Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson posted on the social platform X Wednesday.
"A man who showed up to work to make an honest living lost his life in a sudden and devastating accident. Our hearts are with his loved ones, his coworkers, the injured workers, and the entire Rescue Mission community as they process this unimaginable loss."
Richardson said the investigation into the man's death "is still in its early stages and many questions remain."
"Right now, our focus is on supporting those impacted and their families and ensuring the injured workers receive the care and support they need," he continued, while extending "condolences, prayers and wishes for healing and strength in the difficult days ahead."
Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.
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