Overview
- The scaffolding gave way Wednesday during repair work under the Loop Parkway drawbridge, sending two workers into the water and injuring six others who did not fall.
- Authorities identified the man who was recovered and later died as Kleiton De Madeiros, 39, and the missing worker as Diogo De Oliveira, 38, both employed by Champion Painting.
- A multiagency search involving state and Nassau police boats, the U.S. Coast Guard, Bay Constable units and a Nassau County police helicopter continued into Thursday before being suspended that afternoon because of high winds and rain.
- OSHA has opened an investigation, NYSDOT and state police are gathering records from the contractor, and construction at the site has been halted while investigators inspect the scene.
- The work is part of a $13.8 million, multi‑bridge contract started this fall to repaint and repair steel on four bridges and the collapse has renewed questions about scaffold safety and oversight of the 1934 drawbridge that opens frequently for marine traffic.