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UNO Rogers Park Janitor Dies After Fall in School Auditorium

By Benjamin Woodard | April 16, 2015 2:59pm | Updated on April 20, 2015 8:32am
 Roberto Saucedo, 43, died of cervical spinal injuries, authorities said.
Roberto Saucedo, 43, died of cervical spinal injuries, authorities said.
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WEST ROGERS PARK — A janitor and beloved father of three children died after a fall last week at UNO Rogers Park charter school.

Roberto "Robby" Saucedo, 43, fell five feet down an elevator shaft near the stage in the school's auditorium on the morning of April 10, family said.

Saucedo was pronounced dead at the scene at 7416 N. Ridge Blvd. due to cervical spinal injuries, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

"He was an awesome man," said Saucedo's 24-year-old daughter, Alexandra, when reached by phone. "He was the definition of a man. He was all about family. He always showed his love. He would tell us he loved us all the time. He was very respectful. He laughed all the time. He was funny, he was fun."

Saucedo, of Garfield Ridge, had worked for UNO Janitorial and Maintenance Services for the past three years, his daughter said. She also said her family considers the death an accident.

School Director Meghan Tallent-Bennis said in an email to staff Monday all were welcome to attend a Tuesday visitation with Saucedo's family.

"As our students and families learn this news, we have the opportunity to celebrate his life and accomplishments with them as well as support them in their grief," Tallent-Bennis said in the email.

Saucedo was respected and loved at the school, according to staff members.

Chicago Public Schools didn't respond to a request for comment about the death.

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