FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2008

CONTACT: Sgt. Jim Toomey
Public Information Officer
(602) 590-5733

Window Washers Fall From Building

Earlier today in Glendale, a tragic accident took the life of one man and seriously injured another, when they fell three stories while washing windows at a building in downtown Glendale. An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

At 7:28 a.m. today (1/18), Glendale police and fire units responded to the Bank of America building, located at 5800 W. Glenn Drive. Three witnesses reported that two men who were washing windows on the south side of the building had fallen to the ground and were badly injured. The witnesses provided first aid until fire crews arrived. The two victims were transported to local trauma centers but, regrettably, one of the men died due to extensive head trauma. The other man is listed in serious condition, though he is expected to survive.

The deceased victim was identified as Victor M. Leija (1/23/56), of Phoenix. The second victim is a white male in his early forties. His name is being withheld until his family can be located and notified.
Investigators from OSHA and the Glendale Police Department are working jointly to determine what caused the accident.