photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A tragic workplace accident has claimed the life of a 40-year-old Costa Rican painter, who fell two stories while working on a Ridgewood home earlier this month, authorities confirmed.
Ridgewood police said they responded to a call at 152 Kenilworth Road on Tuesday, August 12, at 1:45 p.m., after reports of a man who had fallen from a roof. The victim was identified by his brother, Carlos Solís, as Heriberto Solís Fallas, of Irvington.
The Fatal Accident
According to police, Solís had been working on the roof when he fell and suffered severe injuries. He was rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, where he tragically died the following day, August 13.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified and began an investigation. Solís had been employed by C&W Painting, a company with no prior inspection history, officials said. OSHA investigators joined Ridgewood police at the scene to review workplace safety conditions.
Remembering Heriberto Solís Fallas
Family members described Solís as a dedicated and responsible father, who moved to the United States in search of a better life for his family.
“He came seeking a better life,” his family told Daily Voice. “He was always willing to help and serve others.”
Solís leaves behind two daughters, ages 14 and 12, who his loved ones say were his greatest motivation.
Community Support
A GoFundMe campaign launched to help return his body to Costa Rica for burial had raised over $2,000 as of press time.
An obituary shared by Alvarez Funeral Home in Newark noted that visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, from 5 to 9 p.m. A funeral and Mass are scheduled for Thursday, August 21, at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Newark, with final interment in Costa Rica.
Workplace Safety Under Review
This incident highlights the dangers faced by construction and painting workers in New Jersey, where falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace deaths. OSHA continues to investigate whether proper safety measures were in place at the Ridgewood job site.
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I look forward to the arrest of the employer and the lawsuit.
I wonder how much he was being paid in cash.
are we assuming he was here illegally?