Widow of Fallen Construction Worker Slams Developer: Report

The pain for the family of Winston Gillett, who fell to his death at a Carlton Avenue worksite in Fort Greene on Sept. 10, continues.

According to the Daily News, an agreement between Gillett's widow, Deanna Simms, and developer Professional Grade Construction to pay for the 67-year-old construction worker's funeral ended in acrimony and accusations this week.

Simms told the News that she believed the agreement fell through because the company learned the family had hired a lawyer.

According to attorney Sanford Rubenstein, the family had to take out a loan to cover the $11,000 cost of Gillett's funeral.

Rubenstein said Simms, who lives in Florida, and their three children were seeking workers compensation benefits in the wake of Gillett's death.

The Brooklyn-based lawyer did not rule out a lawsuit seeking damages from Professional Grade Construction brought on behalf of the worker's family.

Funeral services will be held for Gillett on Friday at 4 p.m. at the Interboro Funeral Home, 544 Evergreen Ave., in Bushwick. Burial will take place Saturday in New Jersey.

A video of the funeral was being prepared for Gillett's three children, who will not be able to make the trip from their home in Jamaica, Rubenstein said.

Simms was found after media outlets helped spread the word that officials were still looking for Gillett's next-of-kin days after his death.