Community Raises Money for Family of Man Killed in Construction Accident

(courtesy photo)

By edhat staff

The Santa Barbara community is rallying around the family of a local man who was killed in a construction accident on Monday morning.

Santiago Perez, Jr., age 35, was crushed by a 50-foot steel beam that weighed over 7,000 pounds in an eastside construction yard. Roger the Scanner Guy initially reported the incident at 6:55 a.m. at Kenney Construction at 619 E. Montecito Street.

Santa Barbara Police state the incident is under investigation and no other details have been released.

The Perez Family (courtesy photo)

Locals have joined together and created a GoFundMe account to assist Perez’s wife and two young children.

According to Perez’s Facebook page, he had just achieved his dream of co-owning Thomas Towing Company. Perez was really active in his children’s sports programs, coaching with Dos Pueblos Little League and Goleta Valley Girls Softball.

“Santiago, Jr was a giver. The giver of hugs, help, support, love, tri-tip, and wisdom. He would give help whenever needed. He always put family first,” a friend wrote on the memorial GoFundMe page. “He was a hard worker and good boss. His legacy will live on.”

A rosary is planned at Our Lady of Sorrows on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Mass is scheduled the following morning at the same location at 10:00 a.m. with a burial service to follow at Calvary Cemetary.

As of Thursday, nearly $50,000 had been donated with a goal of $60,000. Donations to the family can be made here or at local Community West Banks under the “Santiago Perez Jr Memorial Account.”