Burien resident Joe Arrants killed in construction accident; family needs help

On Thursday (March 12), Burien resident Joe Arrants – a Senior Foreman for Kiewit on the new 520 bridge build – tragically fell 60 feet to his death. Joe was 34-years old, and leaves behind a wife and 2 small children, ages 4 and 5. “The day before, Joe had finalized the opportunity to move his family to Hawaii where he would manage another bridge build,” Krista Barkovich told The B-Town Blog. “No more physical labor. And a tremendous adventure for their family.” Less than 24 hours later, Joe was gone. Joe grew up in White Center, attended St Bernadette’s through 8th grade, then Evergreen High School. “He was a deeply spiritual man who devoted his life to helping others through mission and ministry work,” Krista added. “He has led so many in this community (and in Mexico) in prayer throughout his short life. And reached so many others through his music (released 2 CD’s), his love of sports (had large weekly volleyball game at Lake Burien Park every week in the summers), his love of children (volunteer at Shorewood Elementary, group leader for Awanis at Foursquare church) and just by being Joe. This is just the tip of the iceberg…He was that guy that never missed a chance to help anyone, anywhere. He took so many under his wing and our family can’t think of any way to honor him better than to Rise Up (one of his songs) and take his family under our wings. He was by all accounts, an extraordinary man.” Krista adds:

Joe and his wife Heather adopted their two children 3.5 years ago. Heather, a stay at home mom is now having to provide a future for her little ones on her own. Without her life partner of 17 years. They started dating when she was 16. Joe and Heather were our neighbors in Burien. Heather was our nanny before her children came to her. They are our closest friends in Seattle. We love them dearly and are living this nightmare with them. Whatever we can do to enable those who understand their plight to help them, we will do.