Salem, MA — A tragic accident at a construction site in Salem has claimed the life of a 34-year-old man, authorities confirmed Friday.

The incident occurred around 12:11 p.m. on Grove Street, where officers arrived to find the man deceased after what investigators described as a fall from a roof.

Police say the victim had been actively working when the fatal fall happened. The exact sequence of events leading to the accident has not yet been released, and officials are continuing to piece together the circumstances.

The Salem Police Department is leading the investigation in collaboration with Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. In addition, representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) responded to the scene to conduct a parallel workplace safety investigation.

“Officers responded at 12:11 p.m. to Grove Street, finding a 34-year-old man dead,” the Salem Police Department said.

Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity, pending notification of his family.

Workplace Safety Under Review

Falls remain one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry, according to OSHA. The agency’s involvement typically means investigators will examine whether proper fall protection equipment, safety protocols, and site conditions were in place at the time of the accident.

Such reviews can take weeks or even months, with findings that could lead to safety recommendations or, in some cases, fines for violations of federal workplace safety standards.

Community Shock

The accident has shaken the local construction community, with several nearby workers expressing concern over jobsite safety. While police have not confirmed the company involved, industry advocates are reminding crews to double-check harnesses, guardrails, and training before working at heights.

Next Steps

Once the investigation is complete, officials are expected to release more details, including the victim’s name and whether any safety citations will be issued.

Originally reported by Mike Pescaro and Asher Klein in NBC Boston.