Demolition work to resume at Lowertown Ballpark site

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Work will resume Wednesday on the St. Paul demolition site where a heavy equipment operator wascrushed by a cement slab.

Ryan companies, the lead contractor onSt. Paul's new Lowertown Ballpark Project,made the announcement one week after the death of Johnny Vanek. The61-year-old Plymouth resident was killed when a large chunk of cement he was pulling off the old Gillette Building fell on his excavator.

Ryan Companies spokesman Collin Barr says over the next several days activity on the sitewill involve removal of debris and salvaged materials from the site. Rachel Contracting is reviewing the demolition plan to determine if any modifications should be made to ensure worker safety.

Barr says demolition delays at this stage will not impact the on-time delivery of the ballpark.

Earlier Tuesday family members, friends and co-workers gathered at the Lowertown site for a brief and private memorial service for Johnny Valek.

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Demolition work to resume at Lowertown Ballpark site