A father killed in the horrific Seattle, Washington crane accident over the weekend is being remembered as a loving husband and father who had a deep faith in the Lord.
Andrew Yoder, 31, was killed when a crane he was helping dismantle collapsed onto the road below. An ex-Marine who went into construction after finishing his time in the military, Yoder was remembered as a kind and faith-filled man who could make anyone’s day with his quick-witted jokes.
Now, Andrew’s huge circle of friends and family are paying tribute to a man who always put others first.
“Everybody is devastated,” said his identical twin, Aaron, according to the Seattle Times. “It comes in waves. I can’t say I’ve fully come to terms with it yet.”
Along with his brother, Aaron also served in the military before becoming a police officer in Vancouver. Andrew, on the other hand, fulfilled his life-long dream of working in construction — Aaron said his brother was obsessed with the images of workers building the high-rises of New York and Chicago in the early 1900s.
“He mentioned it a time or two, that it was a dangerous job. But that was ancillary to what he was about doing,” Aaron said of his brother. “He took so much pride in it. He said he and his buddies had a small hand in changing the Seattle skyline with some of these buildings they were making.”
A proud father, Yoder was filled with immense pride as he watched his young sons grow up.
“He would always mention how bright his children were. He couldn’t believe he had a hand in making kids that were this smart. He was a great dad,” Aaron said, adding, “He was a follower of God. He loved his wife and his kids so much and he really loved his country.”
Close friend Micah Swan called Yoder a “true Titan” who was “passionate about his faith in Christ.” In an emotional Facebook post, Swan said Yoder was “the real deal,” and “a true man of God.”
“Andrew, goodbye for now, Until I see you on the other side,” he wrote. “Love you brother.”
Yoder’s wife, Andrea, said the “void” left by her husband’s “sudden and tragic death” has “made it hard to breathe.”
“I know this void will never go away but I am thankful for the almost 12 years we did get to have together and for how he loved me and our boys,” she added.
The family’s local church, Calvary Mt Si, has set up a fund to help Andrea and the kids out at this excruciating time.
“Thank you for your heart and willingness to support the Yoder Family during this time,” the church posted on its website, along with a link to the fundraiser.
“100% of all gifts will be given directly to support Andrew’s widow, Andrea, and their two young sons,” it added.
College freshman killed
Another victim was Sarah Wong, a freshman at Seattle Pacific University. She was killed instantly when a piece of the enormous crane fell on top of her car.
“As we continue to celebrate her life and mourn our loss, we are comforted by our faith, the faith communities in the Seattle and Los Angeles areas, and Sarah Pantip’s wonderful community of friends,” her family said in a statement, according to WGBA-TV.
Miraculous survivals
While the Seattle-area community mourns the tragic loss of life, other stories of miraculous survival have emerged. One mother and her four-month-old baby made a narrow escape after a piece of the crane completely crushed the roof of their car.
The pair were rushed to hospital but, incredibly, only sustained minor injuries.
A massive investigation has already been launched into the accident, which occurred at Google’s new Seattle campus — there are five construction companies currently under investigation.
Tim Church from the Department of Labor and Industries said it was too early for speculation as to the cause of the collapse.
Do pray for all the families affected by this tragic accident.