One person has died following a porch collapse in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, according to police.
Construction worker William McCarthy and his friend, Steve Lathrop, were replacing the deck on a three-decker at 89 Forest Hills Street.
McCarthy survived the crash, but Lathrop was killed.
"I don't know -- the porch just let go. I was lucky. I just fell to the deck below," said McCarthy. "Steve fell to the ground."
McCarthy said he was in shock over the death of Lathrop, who records show is 44 and lived in West Roxbury.
The survivor said Lathrop leaves a daughter and his family was originally from Ohio.
He was a great guy,'' McCarthy said. "He was my best friend. The kid would have done anything for anybody. He was the best. I am going to miss him. I'm really going to miss him.''
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Boston Police, Boston Inspectional Services and OSHA remained at the scene investigating.
Neighbor Charlene Wheeler, who lives two blocks away, walked by soon after the accident and was stunned to learn that Lathrop, whom she saw walking around before collapsing before the ambulance crew, had passed away after apparently going into cardiac arrest.
"I prayed hard, and I took my Bible out, and I told God, I wished for him the best, and for his family.''
