Worker dies while repairing elevator inside TripAdvisor building

NEEDHAM, Mass. — A worker died on Tuesday morning after getting stuck inside an elevator shaft in Needham, the Norfolk County DA's office says.

Needham Police and Fire responded to reports of an industrial accident at the TripAdvisor building on 400 First Avenue at around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The victim, a man later identified as James Jacobs, 52, was an employee of Otis Elevators and was working on an elevator at the time of the accident.

The Boston Fire Technical Rescue team helped with recovery efforts.

Officials say no TripAdvisor employees are in any danger. The victim's name has not been released pending family notification.

The incident is currently under investigation by the State Police, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Needham Police.

TripAdvisor released the following statement following the incident inside their headquarters:

"Unfortunately, this morning there was an incident with a maintenance crew member -- employed by Otis Elevator Co. -- that is being addressed and investigated today by the Needham Police and Massachusetts State Police. No TripAdvisor employees were harmed, and our thoughts are with the worker's family and colleagues during this time."

Otis Elevator issued a statement following the incident:

"Otis is deeply saddened to learn that we lost a team member at a jobsite this morning. Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased. We are working to gather more information about this incident as quickly as possible. There is nothing more important to Otis than the safety of our employees, customers and the people who rely on our products and services every day."

A GoFundMe has been created with the proceeds set to go to Jacobs' daughter.

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