In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, a community is reeling from a devastating tragedy that claimed the life of Larry D. Banks, a beloved 69-year-old husband, father, and pillar of his neighborhood. On July 27, 2025, what began as a routine visit to the Family Dollar store near West 37th Street and Broadway Boulevard turned into a nightmare when a portion of the store’s roof collapsed, stealing Larry’s life and leaving a trail of heartbreak and outrage in its wake.

Larry, described by those who knew him as a warm-hearted man with an infectious laugh and an unwavering commitment to his family, was inside the store when the unthinkable happened. Just before 2:45 p.m., the front facade of the building gave way, sending bricks, wood, and debris crashing down. Larry, who had just stepped outside, was trapped beneath the rubble, his life cut short in an instant. Kansas City Police later confirmed his identity, and the news sent shockwaves through the community.
The collapse didn’t just claim Larry’s life. A 50-year-old woman, Tammy Martin, was shopping inside when the roof caved in, crushing her under heavy debris. She survived but suffered severe, permanent injuries to her head, neck, spine, and limbs, leaving her with lifelong disabilities and mounting medical expenses. Two others were injured but treated and released at the scene. The horrifying images of the aftermath—an enormous hole in the store’s corner, debris strewn across the sidewalk—captured the sheer violence of the collapse and the fragility of the place so many had trusted as safe.

In the days following the tragedy, a chilling picture emerged: this was no random accident. Larry’s widow, consumed by grief but fueled by a fierce demand for justice, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Family Dollar Stores of Missouri, LLC, Family Dollar, Inc., and Arthur Fels Company, the building’s owner. The lawsuit paints a damning portrait of negligence, alleging that the defendants ignored glaring warning signs of structural failure. According to court documents, the roof had been visibly sagging for at least two days before the collapse, with one store employee raising alarms to the landlords for over a week. A 311 complaint filed with the city on July 25—two days before the tragedy—reported the building “slowly tilting,” a red flag that went unheeded. Even more shocking, the lawsuit points to a 2016 car crash that knocked out a critical support pillar at the store’s entrance, a structural flaw that was never repaired.

The accusations are stark: Family Dollar and the property owner knew the building was unsafe and chose profits over people. “It is heartbreaking that this tragedy could have been avoided,” said James Stigall, attorney for Tammy Martin, who also filed a lawsuit seeking over $25,000 in damages for her catastrophic injuries. “They knew the building was not structurally sound and presented a serious danger to customers and the general public.”

The community’s grief is matched only by its anger. Witnesses, including Larry’s longtime girlfriend Lauri Whisler, recounted the chaos of that Sunday afternoon. “He would’ve been alive if they would’ve gotten to him,” Whisler said, her voice heavy with sorrow. She described how bystanders, including locals Ciara Brown and Charles Ochlech, rushed to dig through the rubble, desperate to save Larry, who was still breathing when they reached him. But the unstable structure forced police to pull them back, and Larry was declared dead at the scene. “Nobody saw him in the middle of the rubble,” Ochlech recalled, haunted by the memory of seeing only the top of Larry’s head beneath the debris.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has joined the Kansas City Police Department in investigating the collapse, with a six-month window to uncover the truth. City officials, too, are under scrutiny, as records show a July 22 inspection noted the building’s tilting facade, yet no immediate action was taken. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has vowed a thorough investigation, urging residents to report dangerous buildings by calling 911. “We want to make sure that no one’s at risk right now in Kansas City,” he said, but for many, the response feels too late.

For those who knew Larry Banks, the loss is immeasurable. He was a man of quiet strength, always ready with a helping hand or a kind word. Whether sharing a joke with neighbors or spending time with his family, Larry’s presence lit up the lives around him. His death has left a void that words cannot fill, and his loved ones are determined to honor his memory by holding those responsible accountable. “He should be here with us today,” a family spokesperson said, their voice breaking. “His death was entirely preventable. Someone must answer for the negligence that cost Larry his life.”

As the legal battles begin and investigators comb through the wreckage—both literal and figurative—the Kansas City community prepares to say goodbye to one of its own. Funeral arrangements for Larry are forthcoming, with a memorial service planned to celebrate his life and legacy. For now, the Family Dollar store remains closed indefinitely, its shattered facade a grim reminder of a tragedy that never should have happened.

Rest in peace, Larry D. Banks. Your warmth, your kindness, and your spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved you. Kansas City mourns with your family, and together, they will fight for the justice you deserve.