Washburn files lawsuit

Washburn University has released a statement claiming they are in pursuit of a lawsuit against Moto Construction Company for the damages done to Whiting Fieldhouse on November 16.

Curtis Conley, a crane operator for Moto Construction, had a heart attack while lifting a statue onto the rooftop of Whiting Fieldhouse causing the hoist of the crane and the statue to be fall into the northeast side of the building.

At this moment, Washburn has estimated its’ total cost for repairs to be $2.3 million.

“We are just devastated by this loss but mostly because it could have been avoided,” said Michael Wilhoite, Washburn University spokesperson.

Moto Construction released the information that Conley had experienced previous health issues that should have prevented him from operating heavy machinery.

At this time Moto Construction declined to comment on the lawsuit.

There have been six deaths total in regard to this incident.

“This should have been a pretty standard procedure,” said Wilhoite. “We had been reassured by different members of Moto Construction that this was a simple movement and would take less than 30 minutes. Now, there has been a life time’s worth of damages to those who have lost a loved one.”

Although a lawsuit seems plausible to Washburn administration, some students disagree.

“It was an accident and I think everyone involved understands that,” said Inspiron Plate, sophomore at Washburn University. “Although it is tragic and very unfortunate, no one knew the operator was going to have a heart attack. I just feel the lawsuit is a little extreme at this junction.”

Others, however, feel it is most appropriate at this time.

“We need to have a call to action,” said Kate Hampson, Director of University Relations. “We are expected to do something. We have a newly renovated building nearly destroyed due to an incident that could have easily been prevented.”

The lawsuit will seek monetary benefits for the Washburn campus and those who lost a loved one.

“We are just trying to right a wrong that was done but this is no way lessens our sympathy toward the crane operator’s family,” said Hampson. “We understand they lost a loved one too, it was all just bad timing.”