Skip to Main Content
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern


Construction worker Michael Kerr, left, died exactly one year ago while working on Northwestern’s new Music and Communication Building after a crane knocked a beam from the sixth floor of the building.

One year later, questions surround construction worker’s death on campus

May 15, 2014

A year after a falling beam fatally hit an iron worker on campus, questions remain about what went wrong and how the accident could have been prevented as construction continues on the lakefront. Michael...

Northwestern's new Music and Communication Building is scheduled to open in 2015. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the general contractor on the building $7,000 for a serious violation that may have led to the May death of construction worker Michael Kerr, 57.

OSHA cites general contractor for new Northwestern building in death of worker

November 18, 2013

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined the general contractor for Northwestern's new Music and Communication Building, citing a violation that may have led to the accidental death...

Michael Kerr and his older brother Patrick Kerr take a break from working at a Chicago construction site in an undated photo. Patrick Kerr came out of retirement in the late 2000s and worked alongside his younger brother.

Iron worker killed on campus was diligent veteran of Chicago construction

May 28, 2013

About a decade ago, Jackie Rowles was taking a Wendella tour of Chicago when she realized her brother should be the one at the front of the double-decker boat pointing out the city's crowning achievements...

Michael Kerr and his sister Jacquelyn Rowles pose for a photo at the Chicago Air and Water Show last year.

Son of construction worker killed on campus sues general contractor for Northwestern building

May 22, 2013

The 21-year-old son of a construction worker killed last week by a falling beam is suing the general contractor for Northwestern's new Music and Communication Building. Michael Kerr, 57, was hit in...

Mallazzo: Michael Kerr's death deserves more acknowledgement on campus

Mallazzo: Michael Kerr’s death deserves more acknowledgement on campus

May 21, 2013

I have asked several of my friends if they recognized the name Michael Kerr. Not a single person did. A few people may remember Kerr as the 57-year-old construction worker from Indiana who died tragically...

Load More Stories
Activate Search
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Michael Kerr