Family opens up about South Jordan construction incident that killed their father

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SALT LAKE CITY — Just four months after starting a new life in Utah, a Venezuelan family was left without their father following a terrible construction incident in South Jordan.

The Gonzalez family has had to endure one of the toughest things a family could face, but they said they're grateful for the friends, family members and complete strangers who have come together to show them they're not alone.

The Gonzalez family's memories are filled with happy moments and hope.

This year marked the start of a new life for them.

"To accomplish our dreams," said 22-year-old Carlos Gonzalez, Jr.

Gonzalez, along with his parents and younger sister, fled the political crisis in Venezuela and moved to Utah in February.

"They always wanted to give us the best opportunity to grow up and study," he said.

Gonzalez, a former Colorado Rockies baseball player, has had to face the reality of life without his biggest cheerleader and friend — his dad.

"It feels like we are living a bad dream," he said.

On June 15, Carlos Gonzalez, Sr., 46, was working at a new construction site in South Jordan when officials say a trench collapsed on top of him.

The incident happened near 6000 West Moon Valley Drive and Ivy Glenn Way.

Construction crews were attempting life saving measures when fire crews arrived, but the victim was declared dead at the scene.

"We obviously want answers, but at the same time, we don't, we don't feel prepared to process this feeling," the 22-year-old said.

It's a loss that Gonzalez and his family are still trying to process.

"He got that job to take care of us," he said.

Gonzalez started leaning into his faith and his dad's example of optimism and strength to make it through.

"I feel stronger because I feel like he's helping me," he said. "I have to take care of my family right now, just like he was taking care of us."

There's also the outpouring of love and support that Gonzalez said has flooded in from friends and complete strangers who now feel like family.

"They don't leave us alone, so we feel like we are so thankful with all the people," he said.

The investigation into the trench collapse continues.

In the meantime, the Gonzalez family is covering funeral and other expenses with the help of a GoFundMe* account.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.