Fifth Baltimore bridge victim’s body recovered

BY FILIP TIMOTIJA - 05/02/24 

A bulk carrier moves through a newly opened deep-water channel in Baltimore after being stuck in the harbor since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed four weeks ago, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

The body of a fifth Baltimore bridge collapse victim was recovered on Wednesday, according to authorities, leaving one victim’s body still missing.

The construction worker, identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, died in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. His body was recovered on Wednesday, state officials said in a news release. 

Gonzales was one of the six workers who was missing following the bridge’s collapse in late March. Four had previously been recovered by search and rescue crews working under the Unified Command overseeing the response.

One of the missing construction vehicles was found Wednesday by the command’s salvage teams, who notified the Maryland State Police. Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers, FBI and state police investigators then recovered Gonzales’ body from inside the red truck on Wednesday. Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team and Crime Scene Unit assisted in the recovery. 

“We remain dedicated to the ongoing recovery operations while knowing behind each person lost in this tragedy lies a loving family,” Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., the Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, said in a statement. “Along with our local, state and federal partners, we ask that everyone extend their deepest sympathies and support to the families during this difficult time.”

Gonzales was one of the members of the construction crew that was on duty when Dali, a cargo ship, hit the Baltimore bridge in the early morning hours on March 26 after losing power. The ship was going to Sri Lanka and was carrying 4,700 containers. The workers were immigrants from Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras.