Authorities have identified the two New Jersey construction workers who plunged into the icy waters off Long Island after scaffolding on a drawbridge collapsed Wednesday, killing one worker and leaving the other missing.
The makeshift structure on the Loop Parkway drawbridge, which connects the Meadowbrook State Parkway with Long Beach, gave way shortly before noon. Kleiton de Madeiros, 39, and Diogo de Oliveira, 38, fell into the frigid waters of Reynolds Channel, New York State Police told multiple outlets.
De Madeiros, of Montclair, was pulled from the water and taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died, Newsday reported.
Grieving family and friends in his native Brazil mourned Madeiros’ death — and remembered him as a deeply caring figure.
“I just want to thank you for being that wonderful person in my life, the person who taught me how to drive, who taught me how to fish, who taught me to ride a horse,” Junior Gonzaga, a family friend, wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“I will never forget you.”
The City Council of Dores do Indaiá — a Brazilian municipality where Medeiros’ brother, Keninho, serves as a councilman — issued an official note of condolence announcing his death.
“The City Council of Dores do Indaiá expresses its deep sorrow over the passing of Mr. Kleiton Martins de Medeiros, brother of councilor Keninho,” the council said in a statement.
“In this moment of pain and longing, the Legislative Branch stands in solidarity with the councilor and with all family members and friends, wishing that God grants the comfort and strength necessary to overcome this difficult loss.”
Meanwhile, local authorities along with search and rescue teams from Coast Guard Station Jones Beach and Air Station Cape Cod continued the hunt Thursday for de Oliveira, of Elizabeth, according to the outlet.
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Six other construction workers also sustained injuries in the collpase.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez expressed sorrow in a statement and noted the agency is “working with emergency responders at all levels of government” while gathering details from a contractor to assist the investigation.
DOT added that the safety of workers remains their top priority.
Both men were employed by private contractor Champion Painting, a DOT source told The Post.
Champion Painting is working under a $13.8 million contract for multi-location bridge painting and steel repairs — covering the Loop Parkway drawbridge over Long Creek in Hempstead alongside three other sites.
The Loop Parkway has frequently required updates and maintenance since its construction in 1934, according to Newsday.
The work is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is opening an probe into the deadly accident.
New York State Police did not immediately return The Post’s request for comment.
