Details released in roofer's death at Vikings stadium

The roofer who died working on U.S Bank Stadium last Wednesday slid down the roof and broke through a guardrail before falling to an elevated platform below, according to a description of the incident released by Minnesota Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

The incident on Aug. 26 at about 7:45 a.m. left 35-year-old Jeramie Gruber of Northfield, Minn., dead and another roofer injured.

The monthly fatality report says the two workers were installing a solid roof when they fell. The injured roofer, who has not been identified, avoided more of a fall when he slid into a post and stopped.

Both workers were employed by North St. Paul-based Berwald Roofing Company, a subcontractor on the project.

A company official said last week that the injured worker suffered a deep cut on his leg that required four dozen stitches and staples.

Gruber's funeral was held Monday at First English Lutheran Church in Faribault. His obituary notes that he enjoyed fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He's survived by his wife, Amy Kaplan.

"He enjoyed spending time with his wife and their dog, Girl. He loved children and being uncle 'Grubby,'" according to the obituary posted by Boldt Funeral Home. "Jeramie would help anyone that needed a helping hand."

Berwald has received citations in the past for failing to install safety measures on scaffolding or roofs.

Company officials have said they're cooperating with workplace safety investigators.