NEW ORLEANS — Sunday marks five years since Anthony Magrette died. He was one of three construction workers killed in the Hard Rock Hotel collapse that happened on the morning of Oct. 12, 2019.
In the months that followed, WWL Chief Investigator David Hammer uncovered design flaws and inspection failures that ultimately led to the top floors pancaking.
More than 30 people were hurt and three died, including Magrette, Jose Ponce Arreola and Quinnyon Wimberly.
Anthony Magrette and his twin sister, Angela, were 49 at the time. Angela gets family and friends together each year on the anniversary of his death.
Magrette admits that her hope for accountability has wavered.
"When that time comes, and they have to go before God, they can say why they didn't do their job," Magrette said, "This was a big deal. This was three simple men going to work that didn't get to come home."
Magrette said she keeps in touch with the Wimberly family. The Ponce family lives out of town.
“I carry him just like I carry my brother," Magrette said, "So, I’ll make sure their memory goes on too.”
The tragedy sparked countless lawsuits, many of which are still ongoing.
Attorney Walter Leger said between injured parties and nearby businesses that were forced to close either temporarily or permanently, there are nearly 400 plaintiffs.
Leger was tapped to lead a committee that represents the plaintiffs. He said that negotiations between the developers and their insurance companies are ongoing, and if the company does not answer the committee's demands by Tuesday, they will move this matter to trial.
Earlier this year, the families of the three victims reportedly settled their lawsuits with 1031 Canal Development, LLC, the company that was behind the $85 million project.
"On the 5th anniversary of the collapse, 1031 Canal Development, LLC continues to pray for those impacted by this tragedy, including in particular the families of those who lost their lives. Due to ongoing litigation, 1031 Canal cannot provide further comment," the company said in a statement to WWL Louisiana.
No companies or individuals were ever charged with criminal charges.
Magrette said that her focus is now on keeping her brother's memory alive.
“So that’s my fight now to make sure when something goes up there, that they are going to memorialize them with some kind of plaque, statue, something," Magrette said.
The building was demolished in 2021. The City of New Orleans has not announced any plans for a memorial or future use of the site.
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