As family and friends remember him as a “beautiful person,” a young tradie who died when a roof collapsed at a university in Perth has been identified.
Apprentice Jonnie Hartshorn ‘s body was recovered overnight from the construction site at Curtin University.
When a metal frame supporting the glass roof of a building collapsed on Tuesday afternoon, the 23-year-old fell about 20 metres to his death.
In the collapse, two other staff were injured, both aged in their 20s.
“I just wish it wasn’t true,” one person wrote on social media, in tribute to Hartshorn.
“Been hoping the last few hours someone would call and tell me it’s a mistake and they got it wrong.
“How does something like this happen in Australia.
“Love you Jonnie. RIP such a beautiful person.”
“I still can’t believe your [sic] been taken away from us,” another person wrote.
“My brother forever 23,” another added.
A WorkSafe inquiry into why the roof of the building collapsed is underway.
The collapse, which occurred during a lunch break, was witnessed by Electrical Trades Union WA organiser Damian Clancey.
He said several more deaths and injuries may have resulted had it happened just five minutes earlier.