Statement of the Parents of Michael J. Simermeyer

STATEMENT OF THE PARENTS OF MICHAEL J. SIMERMEYER, KILLED IN APRIL 3, 2012 NEW YORK CITY MTA CRANE COLLAPSE

NEW YORK, NY -(April 24, 2012) – Patricia C. Simermeyer, the parents of Michael J. Simermeyer want everyone to know:

Our son, our Mikey, was a loving son, the best brother, the best friend anyone could have, a construction worker who always watched the backs of his coworkers, and he was a truly remarkable human being who was always ready to help those in need, even complete strangers. We draw strength from the memories shared by so many of our son as a good man, a caring and gentle man, who viewed his real job as helping others who had trouble helping themselves. Words cannot describe the painful loss we all feel. Mikey in his short time on earth made a bigger than life impact. We carry him in our hearts every moment of every day. He was, without a doubt, the kind of person the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson must have had in mind when he wrote:

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, it is to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

Mikey was all that and more, including happy.

A private funeral was attended on April 7, 2012, by nearly 1,000 family, friends, and construction co-workers, in the village of Pawling, New York, Michael Simermeyer, 30, of Burlington City, NJ, the construction worker killed in the April 3, 2012 collapse of a 170-foot tower construction crane at an MTA site in Manhattan.

Known fondly as “Mikey” to family and close friends, Michael is survived by his parents and two sisters he adored. Following graduation from Burlington City High School, New Jersey, he followed his father’s career path working heavy construction, most recently out of Local 731, United Steel Workers of America, Queens, NY.

At the family’s request, attorneys Robert J. Mongeluzzi and David L. Kwass, and their Philadelphia-based law firm of Saltz, Mongeluzzi & Bendesky PC, are seeking answers regarding the accident on behalf of Michael and his fellow construction workers. Several of Michael’s co-workers were injured in the crane collapse that occurred about 7:30 p.m. between 33rd and 34th Streets on the east side of 11th Avenue. The attorneys have served notice of their representation to all appropriate parties, including the MTA, OSHA, New York City Department of Buildings, and the owner of the crane.

The family is deeply appreciative to those that have contributed in Michael’s name to the St. Jude Tribute Program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,

P.O., Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Ready for a free confidential case evaluation?

Contact us TODAY. Timing is critical for your case.