A 24-year-old Dittmer man fell to his death Thursday (July 16) while working on the Eads Bridge when a tugboat struck scaffolding protruding from the bridge, authorities report.
James “Jimmy” Pigue was pronounced dead at the scene, a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spokeswoman said.
The incident, described by police as an accidental death, occurred at about 3 p.m., said Leah K. Freeman of the department’s Public Information Division.
“The victim was working on a suspended construction scaffold on the Eads Bridge when a tugboat and barge struck the construction scaffold, causing the scaffold and the victim to be torn away from the Eads Bridge and become entangled on the tugboat.”
The investigation is ongoing, she said today (July 20).
U.S. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Matthew Marler said the Coast Guard also is investigating the incident.
He said in addition to Pigue’s death, 10 other people sustained minor injuries during the accident.
The Coast Guard assisted other emergency responders, but its main job was to regulate river traffic, Marler said.
“We were focused on the river,” he said. “We closed the river for about four hours.”
According to published reports, Pigue worked for Thomas Industrial Coatings of Pevely, a painting company.
Thomas Industrial Coatings did not return a voicemail left today seeking comment.
Pigue leaves behind his wife, Brittany (Wood) Pigue and a child, Ryleigh Pigue.