WEST READING, Pa. — The Berks County Coroner’s Office announced the release of the final cause and manner of death of the seven victims who died in the March 24 explosion and building collapse at the RM Palmer Co. building in West Reading.
The names and final cause of death for the victims are as follows, according to coroner John A. Fielding III:
- Amy S. Sandoe, 49, of Ephrata: Blast injuries
- Xiorky D. Nunez, 30, of Reading: Blast injuries
- Michael D. Breedy, 62, of Marion Township: Blast injuries
- Diana M. Cedeno, 44, of Reading: Blast injuries
- Judith Lopez-Moran, 55, of Reading: Blast Injuries
- Domingo Cruz, 60, of Reading: Blast injuries
- Susan H. Halvonik, 63, of Upper Providence Township: Blast injuries
The manner of death for all seven victims was ruled accidental, Fielding said.
Initially, the cause and manner of death for Nunez was listed as thermal burns. The final determination for all seven victims was made following forensic examinations performed by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Neil A. Hoffman, MD, Fielding said.
The final manner of death was determined by medicolegal death investigations, in coordination with various federal and state agencies.
"We thank the numerous agencies and organizations involved with the rescue, recovery, investigation, and support," Fielding said. "We continue to help families in Berks County deal with loss of loved ones, including those most affected by this tragedy."
The families of several of the victims have filed wrongful death lawsuits against the RM Palmer Co., claiming that workers smelled gas on the day of the explosion and alerted the management at the company, but nothing was done to address it.
