South Pasadena Couple Advocates for Crane Safety Reform After Tragedy

In a powerful response to a devastating personal tragedy, Andrea Wang and Henry Wong from South Pasadena are striving to enhance crane safety regulations following the death of their daughter, Sarah Pantip Wong, in a tower crane accident in Seattle. On April 27, 2019, Sarah, a 19-year-old nursing student at Seattle Pacific University, was killed when a crane collapsed onto the vehicle she was in, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. This incident has spurred her parents into action to prevent similar tragedies.

“To me, it feels like this happened yesterday,” said Wong, 69, reflecting on the profound grief that has accompanied their loss. The couple quickly recognized that Sarah’s death could have been avoided, as significant regulatory gaps in the construction industry posed ongoing risks to public safety. Determined to make a difference, they established the Crane Safety Research Center at the Georgia Institute of Technology and launched the Sarah Pantip Wong Foundation.

Building a Safer Future

Wang, 59, a pharmacist, expressed their unwavering commitment to this cause, stating, “I don’t really think we had a choice.” Their efforts have gained momentum, particularly through collaboration with experts at Georgia Tech, including William Singhose, a leading authority on crane safety. This partnership has resulted in significant advancements in research and advocacy.

In October 2025, two graduate students from Georgia Tech, Tyler Rome and Will Barclay, received accolades at the annual conference of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in Anaheim. Rome’s research on predicting crane payload behavior earned the Best Paper Award, while Barclay’s study on reducing payload twist oscillations secured second place in the Best Student Paper category. Their achievements highlight the center’s impact on crane safety research.

The couple’s journey towards establishing the Crane Safety Research Center began after they received a jury award of over $72 million in 2022. With the support of Singhose, they now lead a team of 20 researchers and students dedicated to addressing crane safety challenges. “The vision of saving lives through the efforts of the Crane Safety Research Center rang loud and clear,” Wang noted, expressing hope for a future where construction sites are safer.

Legislative Advocacy and Community Impact

Wang and Wong have also engaged in legislative advocacy, participating in the revision of rules regarding crane operations in Washington state. Following Sarah’s tragic accident, the Washington State Labor and Industries agency sought their input to enhance safety regulations. They played a pivotal role in introducing House Bill 2022, which aimed to establish stricter work zone protocols, permitting processes, and increased penalties for unsafe practices during crane operations. In January 2024, they were present when then-Governor Jay Inslee signed the bill into law.

As part of their ongoing efforts, the couple has actively contributed to shaping the implementation of these new regulations. Recently, they noted that public comments on new tower crane permit rules were due on October 3, 2025, underscoring their dedication to ensuring that safety measures are effectively enforced.

Wang and Wong’s advocacy is deeply personal, as they work through their grief while aiming to prevent other families from experiencing similar losses. “Our family continues to work through the loss of Pantip,” Wang stated, referring to the Thai name given to Sarah, which translates to “blessing from the sky.” Their commitment to advocating for crane safety is a tribute to her memory.

The couple’s home in South Pasadena remains a vivid reminder of Sarah. They have preserved her room exactly as she left it, filled with her drawings, cherished items, and messages of love. “We still enter her room as if she is still with us,” Wang shared. The community continues to honor Sarah’s legacy through various memorial activities, including candlelight walks and gatherings with her friends.

Through the Sarah Pantip Wong Foundation, the couple aims to foster safer communities, empower families, and inspire young women. Wang emphasized the foundation’s guiding principle, saying, “It means to always love others and be kind to them. Have compassion for others and meet their needs as Christ does for us.”

Wang and Wong’s journey exemplifies resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, transforming their grief into a mission for change. Their commitment to crane safety reform not only honors their daughter’s memory but also serves as a beacon of hope for future generations.