Texas Orders Nearly $86K Fine Over Elevator Death

Texas regulators have fined a hotel and a contractor nearly $86,000 over the 2011 death of a housekeeper who fell six stories down a service elevator shaft.

The case involves the Crockett Hotel in San Antonio and Otis Elevator Co.

Emergency responders recovered the body of 65-year-old Gloria Rodriguez on Dec. 28, 2011. Other workers had reported hearing a noise and then the basement elevator doors were jammed.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on Monday announced the hotel was fined $25,800 for failing to schedule state-mandated inspections and maintenance. The agency fined Otis $60,000 for performing work in a negligent or incompetent manner related to brakes.

Hotel general manager William Brendel declined comment citing a pending lawsuit by the Rodriguez family. Elevator company officials didn’t immediately comment.