Months after Hard Rock collapse, victim’s body is visible in wreckage

More than three months after the collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans, the body of one of its victims is now exposed to view on the wreckage.

Three construction workers were killed when the top six floors of the unfinished building collapsed on October 12. One body was recovered; the two others could not be reached safely.

A tarp had been put up to block one of the bodies from view, but on Tuesday photos began to circulate showing the covering had blown off and the body was visible.

The city’s mayor said that the tarp is unlikely to be replaced soon.

“A tarp put in place to conceal the remains of one of the victims of the Hard Rock collapse has been shifted by the wind,” a statement from Mayor LaToya Cantrell said. “The condition of the building and the altitude above street level complicate efforts to replace the tarp, as they have prevented recovery thus far.”

Her statement urged people not to take photos. “Capturing or sharing images of the victims in such a condition is irresponsible, it is indefensible, and it is not who we are as New Orleanians,” Cantrell said.

The family of one victim said they were told it was unlikely the bodies could be recovered before the implosion of the tower, to take place in March.

WATCH: Incredible video captures the moment the construction site for the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown New Orleans collapsed. (Video: Michael Dalle) pic.twitter.com/lmt4RGThNw

— 10News WTSP (@10NewsWTSP) October 12, 2019