Body of Missing Worker Discovered Amid Warehouse Collapse Rubble, Police Confirm

22-year-old Oswaldo Montoya had not been seen since the warehouse he was working at collapsed on Tuesday.

PHOENIX — A body believed to be of a missing worker has been found following a warehouse collapse, Phoenix Fire Department officials reported.

Oswaldo Montoya, 22, had been missing since storms caused the warehouse to collapse on Tuesday evening.

Crews are still working to remove Montoya’s body from the debris. Once removed, the scene will be handed over to Phoenix police.

Captain Todd Keller of the Phoenix Police Department emphasized that their focus is now on Montoya’s family.

12News spoke with Montoya’s family before the remains were discovered.

“Time is running, and he’s running out of time,” said Judith Montoya, Oswaldo Montoya’s older sister.

Oswaldo Montoya was the father of a 2-week-old baby and had been employed at the warehouse for about a year. On the night of the collapse, violent weather hit the facility located at 43rd Ave and Van Buren.

Montoya was the only worker who did not escape before the north side of the roof collapsed.

“He’s very loving. He’s very caring. He cares for his family, his sisters, his mom, his dad. We’re here for him, just waiting,” Judith Montoya added.

Throughout Friday, search and rescue teams utilized a large crane and chainsaws to move massive concrete blocks. Phoenix Fire Captain Todd Keller stated over 40,000 pounds of concrete had been cleared in the search.

Urban search and rescue dogs have been working in 10-minute cycles alongside firefighters to sift through the debris.

Oswaldo Montoya’s family has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the rescue efforts, calling for more urgency.

“We just want our brother out right now. Where is he? He’s not here,” Judith Montoya said.

Keller assured that the Phoenix Fire Department is providing every possible support to the Montoya family, including placing community assistance team members with them.

Concerns remain about a potential secondary collapse of the standing walls, which could endanger rescue personnel.

“We will exhaust our resources to tend to their needs,” Keller stated. “We are praying for a miracle right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Our fire chief and other executive staff are on scene. This is a very important call for us, from top to bottom.”