The Unified Command overseeing recovery efforts at the Key Bridge incident site in Baltimore made a sad announcement on Friday morning: they had recovered the body of a third missing construction worker. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, leaves behind a grieving family, including a wife and two children.
Divers, part of the coordinated efforts between multiple law enforcement agencies, located Mr. Suazo-Sandoval’s body around 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Maryland State Police were promptly notified and assisted in retrieving the remains. Originally from Honduras, Mr. Suazo-Sandoval had immigrated to the United States over 17 years ago.
He was an active member of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), where he and his brother Carlos Suazo volunteered to support abused and neglected children. Gustavo Torres, CASA’s executive director, fondly remembered Mr. Suazo-Sandoval as a joyful man with a great sense of humor.
Baltimore bridge collapse (Credits: CBS News)
The tragedy happened when a massive cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early hours of March 26, causing a section of the bridge to collapse. Six construction workers, all migrants from Central America, were working on the bridge, filling potholes during the night shift.
While two workers were recovered alive from a submerged red pickup truck a day after the collapse, Mr. Suazo-Sandoval and two others were still missing. The two found in the truck were identified as 35-year-old Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes from Mexico and 26-year-old Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera from Guatemala.
Baltimore bridge wreckage (Credits: Rolling Stone)
Despite the recovery of Mr. Suazo-Sandoval’s body, three workers remain missing and are presumed dead. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed some solace in the progress but emphasized his continued support for all the grieving families affected by the tragedy.
Unified Command, led by the U.S. Coast Guard, will persist in their efforts, including a comprehensive inspection of the cargo ship involved in the collision.
Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland Butler, Jr. reiterated their commitment to the families, promising unwavering dedication until closure is found for each family awaiting news of their loved ones.
