NIH Staff Member Dies in Tragic Accident

Akwasi Addae

NIH mourns the loss of Akwasi Addae, age 45, who died on Jan. 10 after falling into an air-handling intake shaft while conducting repair work on the exterior of the Clinical Research Center. Addae—on staff in the Division of Facilities Operations and Maintenance within the Office of Research Facilities (ORF)—was an electrician in the Clinical Center Facilities Management Branch.   

Addae had joined NIH in 2015 and was well-loved and respected by his colleagues. He had recently been promoted, a major career milestone.

“As an electrician, he literally brought power and light to the clinical spaces that he was assigned to, but he also figuratively brought power and light to his colleagues through his contagious energy and passion,” said ORF Director Dan Wheeland. “He was a consummate professional and dedicated employee.”   

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident to help determine the cause and confirm proper safety measures are in place and followed.

Addae is survived by his wife, Rita, and four children.