Kansas City, Missouri — The Kansas City community is mourning the tragic and untimely death of Larry D. Banks, a 69-year-old husband, father, and community member, who lost his life following the collapse of a Family Dollar store roof near West 37th Street and Broadway Boulevard.
The deadly incident occurred during what was expected to be a routine visit to the store. Larry, described by loved ones as a warm-hearted, reliable, and hardworking man, was inside the building when a portion of the roof gave way, resulting in fatal injuries. Kansas City Police confirmed his identity soon after the tragedy.
In the aftermath of this horrific event, Larry’s grieving widow has taken legal action, filing a wrongful death lawsuit against multiple parties she holds accountable for the collapse. The defendants named in the lawsuit include Family Dollar Stores of Missouri, LLC, Family Dollar, Inc., and Arthur Fels Company, the owner of the building.
According to the filed complaint, there were visible signs of danger prior to the incident—specifically, a sagging section of the roof that had reportedly been noticeable for at least two days. The lawsuit also alleges that a store employee had issued warnings to the building’s landlords for over a week, voicing concerns about the roof’s stability. These reports, the suit claims, were ignored or inadequately addressed.
The complaint accuses the named parties of gross negligence, stating that they failed to act on clear indications of structural instability, ultimately resulting in the avoidable death of Larry Banks.
Tragically, Larry was not the only victim of the collapse. Several other individuals inside the store at the time were seriously injured, and at least one additional lawsuit has already been filed against Family Dollar by another injured party.
Federal officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the collapse, joining local authorities in examining what led to the fatal failure of the building’s infrastructure. Preliminary reports have yet to be released, but the case has already sparked discussions about corporate responsibility, building code enforcement, and worker and consumer safety.
Family and friends of Larry D. Banks remember him as a man of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and deep love for his family. He was known to always lend a helping hand, share a laugh, or provide words of encouragement to those around him. His death has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
The family is now calling for justice and accountability, determined to ensure that what happened to Larry does not happen to anyone else.
“He should be here with us today,” said a family spokesperson. “His death was entirely preventable. Someone must answer for the negligence that cost Larry his life.”
As legal proceedings begin and investigations continue, Larry’s loved ones prepare to lay him to rest, remembering the life he lived and honoring the legacy he leaves behind.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, and a memorial service is expected to be held in Kansas City to allow friends, family, and community members to pay their respects.
Rest in peace, Larry D. Banks. Your memory will be cherished forever.
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