SALT LAKE CITY – A construction worker was found dead in a crawl space Friday at the Utah state Capitol, where government officials were holding a ceremony to mark the building's recent renovation.
The body of John David Welsh, 30, was found in a confined space where heating ducts and pipes run, said Trooper Cameron Roden, a Utah Highway Patrol spokesman.
Foul play was not suspected, but "we'll look into every aspect," Roden said. An autopsy was planned to determine the cause of death.
Welsh had reported to work Friday morning. His body was discovered by another worker around 2 p.m., Roden said.
Gov. Jon Huntsman and other officials were not aware of the discovery during the Capitol rededication ceremony, the trooper said.
An afternoon reception for lawmakers, their families and other dignitaries was held as scheduled on the main floor, with music, drinks and food. Many were unaware of the death.
"We're celebrating the rededication of the people's house. To have somebody die puts a damper on (the) events," said Rep. Carl Wimmer, a Republican.
The 92-year-old Capitol was restored during a $227 million project that mostly centered on making it secure during earthquakes. It reopens to the public Saturday.
The classically designed building is similar to the U.S. Capitol and has been retrofitted with new technology such as wireless Internet and plasma-screen televisions.
Construction crews worked to restore the Capitol to the way it looked when it was first dedicated in 1916. Historical photographs were used to recreate furniture and design rooms in the building.
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