AKRON, Ohio — What was meant to be one of the happiest weeks of his life has turned into heartbreak for the family of Marcus Miller, a 23-year-old construction worker from Millersburg, Ohio, who was killed Thursday in a tragic construction site accident in Akron — just six days before he was to marry his fiancée.

The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Miller’s identity Friday, describing him as a young man known for his “easy-going personality and ready smile,” as written in his obituary. Miller was deeply connected to his local church and community and leaves behind a devastated circle of family, including his fiancée, parents, siblings, and many friends.

The accident happened around 2:30 p.m. at a new housing development on the 300 block of White Pond Drive. Akron Police Department Lt. Michael Murphy said that Miller had been working on the framework of the new structures when an exterior wall unexpectedly collapsed.

“Workers nearby reported hearing a wall collapse, and they found Miller deceased when they checked on him,” Murphy reported. The area was quickly secured as police and medics responded to the emergency call.

Authorities are now investigating what caused the collapse, including whether there were structural weaknesses or lapses in safety protocols at the job site. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office is working alongside local investigators, and it is expected that federal workplace safety officials may also review the site under OSHA guidelines.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik shared a public message of sympathy:
“I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the construction worker who sadly lost their life in today’s incident at the White Pond Development site. I thank the firefighters/medics and police officers who responded to the scene of this tragedy to assist. My thoughts remain with all those impacted,” Malik said.

The tragedy has sparked waves of grief across the Millersburg and Akron communities. Members of Miller’s church and local friends have begun organizing online fundraisers and memorial events to help cover funeral expenses and support his grieving fiancée during what was meant to be the couple’s wedding week.

One friend wrote on social media, “Marcus was always the one to make you laugh, even on the hardest days. He loved his fiancée so much, and we were all looking forward to celebrating their marriage. This is beyond devastating.”

Workplace safety advocates have emphasized that this kind of accident underscores the importance of strong safety measures on construction sites. According to federal data, construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S., with falls, collapses, and equipment-related incidents consistently ranking as leading causes of worker fatalities.

Construction companies in the region are being reminded to review and reinforce their safety protocols to protect workers and prevent future tragedies.

Miller’s family, meanwhile, has asked for privacy as they navigate this sudden and devastating loss. Funeral and memorial service details are expected to be announced in the coming days, as the family and community come together to honor Marcus’s life.

Originally reported by Avery Williams and Grey News Staff in WWNYTV.