'I should be dead': Victims, family react to tragic HVAC collapse at Gaylord Rockies Resort

AURORA, Colo — What began as a day of celebration ended in tragedy for the Markiewicz family, and others, whose lives were forever changed after the HVAC system collapsed inside the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center waterpark more than a year ago."It was going to be a celebration for my granddaughter, she was turning 4," said Patti Markiewicz, who was at the resort that day. She can still recall the moment she found out her husband, John, was seriously injured.

John's stepdaughter, Trisha, was another witness that day."I heard this loud echoing of sheet metal rattling, like as if the whole roof was coming down. And you saw everything shaking," she said." I could see this enormous HVAC system come like a torpedo and hit him, and he just splat... you see things in a movie and it's not the same."

John spoke with Denver7 Investigates from his home in Florida, where he conducts weekly doctor and therapy visits for his TBI. He no longer works.A recently filed lawsuit claims the incident was a result of"poor design, poor construction, and poor maintenance.

"I did get angry," Patti said."Because asked me... 'Did I do something wrong?' He didn't know what happened. So that's his first thought... 'Did I do something wrong?' I'm like, 'No, you did nothing wrong. We were there for a celebration. They were wrong. Their equipment failed. They didn't pay enough attention to the safety of their guests.

Attorneys representing Aurora Convention Center Hotel LLC, Aurora Convention Center Hotel Lessee, Ryman Hospitality Properties INC, Hotel Clean LLC, and HKS INC expressed that it is policy not to comment on pending litigation.

Burgh Gaylord Rockies HVAC Collapse Attorneys Contact7 Investigates Contact7 Investigation Denver7 Investigates Denver7 Investigates Team Denver7 Investigation

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