The Spokane Tribe Casino accident occurred during the expansion of the casino’s hotel in Airway Heights, WA. On March 7, 2023, a formwork collapse led to the death of Ana Vetter, a 27-year-old journeyman carpenter.
The accident raised concerns about construction safety and regulatory oversight. The loss of a dedicated worker like Ana Vetter highlighted the importance of stricter safety measures in high-risk construction environments.
What Happened at the Spokane Tribe Casino Construction Site?
On the morning of March 7, 2023, around 9:30 a.m., an elevated working platform collapsed at the casino’s hotel construction site. Witnesses reported a loud blast that shook the ground.
Firefighters and medics rushed to the scene, but Ana Vetter died at the site, but unfortunately, Ana Vetter did not survive. No other workers were reported injured in the incident.
The collapse exposed the daily dangers construction workers face. The Spokane Tribe Casino accident was not just a freak incident but an example of what happens when safety concerns are overlooked.
It raised questions about whether the construction site had adhered to safety guidelines and whether similar accidents could be prevented with better regulations.
Who Was Ana Vetter?
Ana Vetter, a 27-year-old carpenter, was deeply committed to her craft in construction work. She was engaged to be married and had recently purchased a home in Nine Mile Falls.
Ana was also a strong advocate for women in construction and a respected figure in her field. Her untimely passing was a significant loss to her colleagues, friends, and family.
Ana had always been passionate about her craft and had dedicated years to honing her skills in the construction industry. Many who knew her described her as ambitious, hardworking, and willing to take on challenging tasks.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she constantly proved that skill and determination mattered more than gender. In 2024, the Ana Vetter Safety Initiative—a mentorship program for women in trades—was launched by her family, partnering with the Spokane Tribe and Swinerton, Inc.
What Caused the Collapse?
The accident was caused by the collapse of formwork, a mold used to shape concrete structures. Formwork collapses are often deadly under heavy loads.
The elevated working platform that fell was a crucial structure in the hotel’s expansion project. Such failures highlight the importance of rigorous safety checks and adherence to construction site protocols.
This incident emphasized why construction sites must always adhere to strict safety procedures. Experts believe that formwork collapses typically happen due to poor design, rushed construction schedules, or failure to follow safety protocols.
If the formwork was not correctly secured, it could have buckled under the weight of the materials and workers, leading to tragic consequences. The 2024 OSHA investigation concluded that improper bracing of the formwork and inadequate load calculations were primary factors, resulting in $124,500 in fines for Swinerton, Inc.
Response to the Spokane Tribe Casino Accident
Following the accident, emergency responders, including fire trucks and ambulances, arrived promptly at the scene. Spokane Tribe Casino’s general manager, Javier De La Rosa, expressed deep condolences and assured full cooperation with authorities.
The construction company overseeing the project, Swinerton, Inc., also pledged to assist investigators. Additionally, chaplains and health service workers were deployed to support grieving colleagues and staff.
The immediate response to the incident showed the seriousness of the situation. The Spokane Tribe Casino halted construction activities, and employees were offered counseling services to help them cope with the loss of their coworker.
Swinerton, Inc. released a statement confirming that they were working with investigators to determine the cause of the accident. The tragedy spurred Washington State to adopt stricter tribal construction oversight laws in January 2025, requiring third-party engineering reviews for formwork.
The Investigation Process
Several agencies, including the Spokane Tribe, tribal police, the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, and OSHA, launched investigations into the incident.
Authorities aimed to determine whether proper safety protocols were followed and if negligence played a role. The site remained closed for 11 months during investigations, pushing the hotel’s completion to August 2025.
OSHA investigators reviewed site records and interviewed workers about workplace accidents. Their role in this case involved inspecting the site, interviewing workers, and reviewing safety records.
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries also played a crucial role in ensuring that the investigation covered all aspects of construction safety. In 2024, Swinerton, Inc. settled a wrongful death lawsuit with Ana Vetter’s family for $2.8 million, though admitting no fault.
The Family’s Perspective
Ana Vetter’s parents, Paul and Sandi Vetter, were devastated by the tragedy. They learned of the accident through Ana’s fiancé rather than official sources, which raised concerns about how such incidents are communicated to families.
Despite their grief, they honored Ana’s legacy by advocating for better safety measures in construction sites.
Ana’s family struggled to process their loss while demanding answers. Ana’s family, though heartbroken, wanted answers about what led to her death.
They hoped that raising awareness about construction safety could prevent similar tragedies in the future. They have since been vocal about the need for improved worker protection, urging lawmakers and safety regulators to take action.
Impact on the Construction Project
The accident led to a temporary shutdown of the Spokane Tribe Casino’s expansion project. Construction resumed in February 2024 after OSHA-approved safety overhauls, including mandatory daily formwork inspections and revised load protocols by the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
The project continued with a renewed emphasis on safety protocols in memory of Ana Vetter.
The temporary halt in construction allowed for a thorough investigation and safety review. The Spokane Tribe wanted to ensure that all safety concerns were addressed before work resumed.
While the expansion project was delayed, it reinforced the importance of prioritizing worker safety over deadlines. This case serves as a lesson for other construction companies to avoid cutting corners.
What Changed After the Accident?
The collapse underscores the life-threatening risks associated with construction work. Industry standards for formwork safety must be strictly followed to prevent such tragedies.
Improved notification procedures and comprehensive support systems for affected families and workers are also essential.
Construction sites must implement rigorous safety training programs. Employers need to ensure that workers understand the risks involved in their jobs and are equipped with proper safety gear.
Regular inspections should be mandatory to detect potential hazards before they result in tragic accidents. Ultimately, every construction worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day.
Remembering Ana Vetter
Ana Vetter’s colleagues described her as a “fearless go-getter” and a role model for women in construction. Her commitment to carpentry and apprenticeships inspired many.
Missy Barnaby, a co-worker, spoke of Ana’s passion and dedication, emphasizing the lasting impact she had on the industry.
Ana’s story is a testament to the resilience and hard work of women in male-dominated fields. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to push boundaries made her an inspiration to many.
Even in her absence, her influence on workplace safety and female representation in construction continues to make an impact.
Conclusion
The Spokane Tribe Casino accident was a tragic event that underscored the importance of construction safety. The finalized investigations catalyzed reforms in tribal construction projects nationwide, with Ana’s legacy institutionalized through federal safety grants for worker training programs.
As the project moves forward, Ana Vetter’s memory will serve as a call for stronger safety measures and greater awareness of workplace hazards.
