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Worker dies at SoFi Stadium with ‘signs of a health issue’

Construction workers work on the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on March 19.
A second construction worker has died at the SoFi Stadium site in Inglewood.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Another construction worker has died at SoFi Stadium, according to the joint venture overseeing the $5-billion project in Inglewood.

The worker died at the job site just before 5 p.m. Tuesday after exhibiting “signs of a health issue.”

“His co-workers promptly summoned help and an onsite EMT and local paramedics responded,” Turner-AECOM Hunt said in a statement in response to questions from The Times. “Unfortunately, it is with great sadness we confirm that he passed away of what appears to be a personal health related cause.”

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The Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner’s office identified the worker as Simon Leo Fite, 31, from Compton.

Workers are being provided counseling “at this very sad and difficult time,” according to the joint venture’s statement. Construction paused Wednesday morning to remember Fite and then resumed.

A statement on behalf of SoFi Stadium, the Rams and Chargers said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, as well as the many people he worked with during this very difficult time.”

Three more construction workers at SoFi Stadium have tested positive for COVID-19, increasing the total to 28 workers who have contracted the virus.

July 2, 2020

The death came a little more than a month after an iron worker, Juan Becerra, fell at least 110 feet from the stadium’s roof and died. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating that incident.

On Monday, the joint venture announced in emails to trade partners that four more workers had tested positive for COVID-19, increasing the number of known cases at the project to 32. Of the most recent positives, the emails said two of the workers were asymptomatic and one had “minor symptoms.” The emails didn’t characterize symptoms for the fourth worker.

Last week, developers said the stadium is 97% complete. It will be the centerpiece of a 298-acre development that will include a performance venue, offices, retail stores, restaurants, housing and more.

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