Joe Cunningham Obituary, Death – A tragic workplace accident at a construction site in Cleveland claimed the life of a laborer early Friday morning. The incident occurred at the Sherwin-Williams headquarters project on West 3rd Street, just after midnight. Authorities confirmed that 48-year-old Joe Cunningham, a member of Laborers’ Local 310, died after being trapped under a forklift.
Emergency responders from Cleveland Police and EMS were dispatched to the scene but pronounced Cunningham dead upon arrival. His death has left the local labor community and city leadership mourning the loss of a respected and dedicated worker.
Laborers’ Local 310 released a heartfelt statement honoring Cunningham’s legacy. They described him as a committed and hardworking individual who consistently showed up with a strong work ethic and a sense of camaraderie with fellow union members. He was known for his dedication and pride in his trade.
Sherwin-Williams, the company overseeing the construction project, also expressed its sorrow. In a statement, the company extended its deepest sympathies to Cunningham’s family, loved ones, and coworkers. The company emphasized that safety remains a top priority and pledged to fully cooperate with the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb addressed the incident, calling it a sobering reminder of the dangers construction workers face daily. “This morning’s horrible accident is a reminder that jobs in the building trades not only require great skill, but they also make physical demands that many of us do not face,” Bibb said. He extended condolences to Cunningham’s family and the broader union community, acknowledging the physical risks involved in construction work.
City Councilman Danny Kelly, who also has a long-standing connection with Laborers’ Local 310, expressed his own sadness. Having worked in the field for three decades, Kelly spoke from personal experience about the hazards of the job. He described Cunningham’s death as a profound loss, recalling the many close calls workers face in such physically demanding environments.
Cunningham’s passing has had a deep emotional impact on those who worked alongside him, as well as the broader labor and civic community in Cleveland.
The construction site is part of Sherwin-Williams’ new headquarters campus, a major project that includes three key structures: a two-story public pavilion, a 36-story office tower, and a multi-level parking garage. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the ongoing development, prompting renewed calls for workplace safety and vigilance on construction sites.
An investigation into the incident is underway to determine the exact cause and whether any safety protocols were violated or failed. As the community grieves, there is a shared commitment among officials, the company, and the union to uncover what happened and to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Joe Cunningham is remembered not only as a skilled laborer but as a valued member of Cleveland’s workforce, whose dedication and presence will be deeply missed.
