UPDATE 9/10/16 5:25 a.m.: Howard County police say they have identified the man as 67-year-old John Peter Pacylowski Jr. of Columbia.
EARLIER 9/9/16 5:57 p.m.:
WASHINGTON — A man who was working behind a business on Ellicott City’s flood-ravaged Main Street fell from a scaffolding Friday afternoon and died, Howard County police said.
A police spokeswoman said authorities believe the man was working on flood-related repairs behind a building in the 8200 block of Main Street when he fell from the scaffolding. Police were called at 3:35. The man had died by the time units arrived, police said.
Authorities have not released the man’s identity because his family has not yet been notified.
Flash flooding on July 30 tore through Ellicott City’s downtown area, causing millions in damages to local businesses and killing two stranded motorists. In the immediate aftermath, officials blocked off Main Street to the public over fears that some severely damaged buildings might collapse.
Just two weeks ago, Howard County officials reopened parts of the devastated Main Street to the public as crews worked to repair sidewalks, install new natural gas lines and shore up structures.
Last week, Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman appointed former county fire chief Joseph Herr to serve as recovery project manager to help lead the continued clean-up.
A “recovery town hall” for Ellicott City residents is scheduled for Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at Veterans Elementary School on Montgomery Road.
In a news release posted Friday evening, Kittleman said Main Street would reopen to all pedestrians Sept. 20.
