A Florida man was killed Wednesday morning after falling approximately 50 feet inside the IMAX theater in downtown Reading, according to the Berks County Coroner’s Office.
Berks County Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel said the office was notified by the Berks County 911 Center at 11:36 a.m. of an individual who had fallen inside the theater at the Reading Movies 11 & IMAX complex at 30 N. 2nd Street in Reading.
The victim was identified as 71-year-old Robert R. Franklin of Celebration, Florida. Franklin was pronounced deceased at 11:57 a.m.
According to the coroner’s office, Franklin was an independent contractor working on renovations at the theater. Officials said he was working above the ceiling when he fell through a drop ceiling and fell approximately 50 feet.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, commonly known as OSHA, was notified and responded to the scene to investigate the incident.
An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at Reading Hospital. The examination will be performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Neil Hoffman.
The Berks County Coroner’s Office said it was assisted at the scene by the Reading Police Department and the Reading Fire Department.
