The oldest brother of a Hilo native killed Wednesday in an industrial accident at Pearl Harbor said Friday’s he’s “upset and numb” about the loss of his brother.
Gerald Saragosa described his 30-year-old brother, Justin — one of two men killed when a 5-ton buoy fell from a crane on a barge they were working on — as “a special person, happy-go-lucky, friendly, always willing to help people out.”
Justin Saragosa, who lived in Kapolei, Oahu, was the father of a 9-year-old son. He and 42-year-old Joefrey Andrada of Waipahu, Oahu, were killed and two others injured in the accident at Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility.
The men all were civilian workers for Healy Tibbitts Builders Inc., a contractor specializing in marine construction. Several investigations have been launched into the accident.
Gerald Saragosa said his family is “in shock, grieving.”
“We’re all takin’ it very hard but our family bond is very strong … and we’re trying very hard to support each other through this hard time,” he said.
Justin Saragosa discovered his passion for bull riding while attending Hilo High School, his brother said.
“I started riding bulls and he told me he wanted to give it a shot one day. I told him no,” Gerald Saragosa said. (For) a couple of years I told him no until one of my friends told me, ‘You know what. Let your brother ride.’ He rode his first bull in Honaunau. He drew the best bull in the state … and he stuck to that bull.
“… He won titles from different events throughout the state.”
Gerald Saragosa, a professional bodybuilder, said he admires his brother’s talent and fortitude.
“I tried winning one of those buckles and I couldn’t,” he said. “My brother, Justin, that was his thing. He was the man.”
Condolences to the Saragosa family and tributes to Justin Saragosa are pouring in on social media.
Layne Luna posted on Facebook that Justin Saragosa, as a seventh-grader at Hilo Intermediate School, took part in the Project Pride after-school program that made the “Home of the Spartans” sign still posted at the school’s gym.
“Everyone should feel proud when they pass Hilo Intermediate and see all the signs and murals he did with his friends and can remember his spirit and legacy he left for all,” Luna wrote.
Gerald Saragosa said the family appreciates “the amazing love and support we have been receiving from friends, family, the community, everybody.”
Survivors include: son, Justin “J.J.” Saragosa Jr.; parents, Robin Rodero and Gerald Saragosa Sr.; brothers, Gerald (Marla) Saragosa and Jason (Juliann) Saragosa; and half-sisters, Christel Rosario and Leiahi Saunoa.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.