A construction worker has died following a fatal fall at Northwestern University’s Evanston campus on Thursday, according to Evanston police.
Authorities identified the victim as 57-year-old Thomas Barcy, who was working on the roof of the former James L. Allen Center at 2169 Campus Drive. Police said Barcy was operating equipment when he fell approximately four stories to the ground around 3:26 p.m.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident. Despite rapid response efforts, Barcy was pronounced deceased at the location.
Investigators said there were no immediate signs of criminal activity involved in the fall. Northwestern University and the contractor Barcy was employed by are cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident occurred at the site of a major construction project for Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. The new facility is being built to replace the James L. Allen Center and is expected to significantly expand capacity, including doubling available seating. Construction on the project began last May, with completion anticipated in fall 2027.
University officials acknowledged the tragedy in a brief statement, saying, “Our thoughts are with those involved.” Operations at the construction site are expected to continue under review as safety protocols are assessed during the investigation.
As word of the incident spread, the loss has deeply impacted those who knew Barcy and worked alongside him. Family members are now mourning a sudden and heartbreaking loss, remembering him as a loved one whose life was taken far too soon. At the same time, the broader community is left shaken, reflecting on the dangers faced by workers who help build and shape major projects across the region.
