Parks Department Employee Dies While Working On Queens 9/11 Tribute Park

Update

Queens resident Jeffrey Barbieri, 38, (Photo: Courtesy: The Wave)

Queens

A parks employee died Friday while working on the 9/11 Tribute Park in Rockaway, according to NY1 News. .

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said Jeffrey Barbieri was working on the tribute when he suffered a pulmonary embolism and collapsed.

Jeffrey Barbieri was 38 years old.

He collapsed while working on the memorial, at 116th Street and Beach Channel Drive, and died at St. John’s Hospital later.

His organs will be donated as per his wishes.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Barberi worked for the Department for the last three-and-a-half years as a cement mason.

“The loss of Parks Department worker Jeffrey Barbieri is sad news for our Parks Department and all New Yorkers who love our parks,” Bloomberg said in a statment.

“Jeff died much too soon, and his passing is a terrible reminder that life is all too short. On behalf of all New Yorkers, our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”

“We thank Jeff for this selfless act and his service to the city and offer our sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the Parks Department,” Benepe said in a statement.

Read/View More:

Parks Employee Dies While Working On Queens 9/11 Tribute Park

NY1 News - May 18, 2012

Parks employee dies working on 9/11 memorial

Times Ledger - May 25, 2012

Worker Dies At Tribute Park
The Wave - May 25, 2012 - By Nicholas Briano