Baltimore, Maryland — In a poignant conclusion to a weeks-long search effort, Unified Command salvage teams located the sixth victim of the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster. The body of 37-year-old José Mynor López of Baltimore, Maryland, was identified as the final missing worker, marking a somber milestone as recovery operations come to a close.
José Mynor López, a father of three and primary provider for his family, was confirmed dead following the tragic collapse on March 26. His passing leaves an indelible mark on the community, especially his family, who now face an uncertain future. Unified Command, a multi-agency task force that includes Maryland State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and mental health professionals, confirmed López’s identification after contacting his loved ones.
“With heavy hearts, today marks a significant milestone in our recovery efforts and providing closure to the loved ones of the six workers who lost their lives in this tragic event,” said Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. “As we mourn with the families, we honor the memory of José Mynor López, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, and Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez.”
A Catastrophic Incident
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after the Sri Lanka-bound Dali container ship, weighing 213 million pounds, lost power and struck the structure. This impact killed six construction workers who were conducting routine repairs on the bridge. The structure, a vital link for 30,000 daily commuters, quickly became the focal point of a massive recovery effort, as salvage teams combed through the wreckage to identify the missing.
Each of the six workers was an immigrant who came to America in search of a better life. Alongside López, the five other workers lost in the disaster included Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes (35), Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera (26), Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval (38), Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, and Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez (49). Their deaths underscore the tragedy faced by their families, many of whom were dependent on these hardworking individuals for their livelihoods.
Family And Friends In Mourning
A memorial at Fort Armistead Park became a sanctuary for grieving families and friends. For Dervin López, cousin to José Mynor López, the loss remains unimaginable. “They feel sad and devastated,” Dervin López shared. “He put me in school.” Anay Orduno, a close friend who knew López for over a decade, remembered him fondly: “He was very nice. He always tried to help people, especially the family.”
Orduno had exchanged text messages with López just days before the tragedy. For her, his death still feels surreal. “His sudden absence has left a void that cannot be filled, both emotionally and financially,” she said.
A GoFundMe campaign had been established for López’s widow and family, but it has since been deactivated. The family, now without their primary provider, must rebuild their lives amid the emotional devastation.
Support From Leaders
In response to the recovery of the sixth and final victim, Maryland Governor Wes Moore released a statement expressing his condolences and reiterating the state’s commitment to the victims’ families.
“We pray for José Mynor López, his family, and all those who love him. It is with solemn relief that he will be reunited with his loved ones, and we ask, again, to respect the family’s request for privacy during this difficult time.”
He continued by honoring the other workers lost: “To the friends, family, and loved ones of Alejandro Hernández Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, Carlos Hernández, and Miguel Ángel Luna González—we continue to pray for your healing, peace, and closure. We remain steadfast in our commitment to enduring support and will forever remember the lives of these six Marylanders.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the importance of recovering each victim and the toll the tragedy has taken on their families.
“It is impossible to overstate how important it is that we’ve been able to bring each of these Marylanders home to their families, and the small amount of peace and closure it brings. Nothing will fully overcome the pain of their loss, but I am deeply grateful to the entire Unified Command and the salvage teams for never losing focus on the importance of recovering all the victims.”
Rebuilding Efforts And Continued Support
The recovery process has been arduous and emotionally draining for all involved. Salvage teams worked tirelessly alongside federal, state, and local agencies to ensure each victim was returned to their loved ones.
Efforts to restore the 700-foot-wide, 50-foot-deep federal navigation channel leading to the Baltimore port are underway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to have the channel fully operational by the end of the month. Governor Moore also emphasized the importance of securing federal funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and restore critical traffic infrastructure in the Baltimore region.
“Securing federal funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge is fundamental to restoring the traffic system for the greater Baltimore region and the principal route for all hazardous materials traveling along the I-95 corridor. This is critical to addressing the economic, social, and community impacts felt across the state, region, and country since the bridge collapsed.”
So far, Maryland has received $60 million in emergency relief funds toward the project. Governor Moore’s office has engaged members of Congress to ensure full federal support for the rebuilding process.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse will forever be remembered as a tragedy that struck at the heart of Maryland’s working-class families. As the community continues to mourn the six lives lost, there remains a commitment to honoring their memory and providing unwavering support to their families during this incredibly challenging time.
