Fall down elevator shaft kills Superior hotel maintenance worker

A maintenance worker fell inside a hotel elevator shaft in downtown Superior, Wis., and died, authorities said Wednesday.

The incident occurred about 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Androy Hotel in the 1200 block of Tower Avenue, according to police.

Hotel staff and other witnesses told responding police officers and medical personnel that the elevator had been malfunctioning and the night maintenance worker was trying to make repairs.

"He apparently opened the elevator door with a key he had and accessed the elevator, not realizing that the elevator car was above his floor," read a statement from police in the city across from Duluth. "He proceeded through the opened door and fell to the basement, which was approximately 15-20 feet."

The 63-year-old worker was declared dead at the scene. His identity has yet to be released.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified of the death, and the agency will investigate the circumstances.

The Androy opened in 1925 and offers 80 rooms.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482