Arizona: Body of missing worker found 3 days after Phoenix warehouse roof collapses

Earlier this week, authorities found the body of a warehouse worker who had been missing for three days after a massive roof collapse on a large commercial building in Phoenix, Arizona.

The body, believed to be that of 22-year-old Oswaldo Montoya, was discovered around 1 p.m. Saturday near the downtown Freeport Logistics warehouse, Phoenix Fire Department spokesman Capt. Todd Keller said, USA Today reported.

The search began after a powerful microburst struck the warehouse around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, lifting the roof off the building in West Phoenix. The storm’s impact caused extensive damage, including the collapse of 40-foot-high shelves of produce, creating a mess of debris.

“The body was found in the area where we last placed him based on initial reports,” Keller said. Phoenix police are currently investigating the death and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner will confirm the identity of the victim.

Keller expressed his condolences, saying, “Oswaldo was a hard worker. He worked a night shift, just taking care of his family and his loved ones. This is not the outcome we wanted.”

The search and rescue operation was extensive and challenging. Over the course of three days, crews used drones, rescue dogs and heavy equipment, including cranes and bobcats with grapples, to sift through nearly 50,000 pounds of concrete and rubble. Rescue teams worked in shifts, with new teams rotating in every 12 hours to continue the search.

“The complexity of an incident like this is immense,” Keller added. “We’ve completely exhausted all of our resources in the fire department.”

The site was considered high risk due to the threat of secondary collapse. Structural engineers worked with the rescue teams to ensure their safety during the operation.

Montoya’s family was on the scene and had been notified of his death. Friends and family described him as a “wonderful” father, brother, son and son-in-law. Despite the tragic outcome, Keller praised the community’s support and the tireless efforts of emergency crews to deal with the devastating situation.