The City of Greater Sudbury employee killed in Wednesday’s motor vehicle incident on Highway 144 west of Dowling was operating a dump truck at the time.
He was on the job when the incident occurred March 13, a city spokesperson confirmed.
A previous media release issued by the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP confirmed the victim was a 60-year-old Valley East resident, while multiple social media posts confirm he was a man known for his big laugh and sense of humour.
It was a single-vehicle collision, and it closed the highway for several hours.
At the family’s request, the victim’s name is not being shared by officials.
CUPE Local 4705 issued the first public statement on the fatality by publishing a Thursday morning post on Facebook offering their condolences to family, friends and co-workers.
“It is with great sorrow that we announce the loss of our dear brother yesterday, in a fatal motor vehicle accident at work,” the CUP 4705 post read.
A city spokesperson said immediate crisis support services have been offered to those directly impacted by the incident and those who may have worked with or had a personal relationship with the victim.
“We have also provided staff across the organization with information on the supports available to them through our Employee Assistance Program and the Peer Support Network,” they said. “Leaders will be personally reaching out to team members who may require additional support due to connections or experiences that bring this tragedy closer to home.”
Since this was a workplace death, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has a mandate to launch an investigation.
Sudbury.com reached out to the ministry for insight regarding this investigation, but they declined to answer our questions, which is common practice for Government of Ontario agencies.
“Once the investigation is complete, ministry staff will review the investigation report,” according to the ministry’s website. “If prosecution for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act is warranted, charges will be laid within two years of the date of the offence.”
Meanwhile, condolences have been pouring in on social media for the victim.
“Still in shock,” one commenter wrote. “Gonna miss ya big man.”
“I had the best of times working with you,” someone else posted. “Going to miss those daily laughs.”
Someone who identified as the victim’s niece posted, “Going to miss his deep burly laugh.”
“Loved your sense of humour,” another commenter wrote.
Flags at city facilities will be lowered to half-mast on Friday in the employee's honour.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
