The coroner's office said a date has been set for an inquest into the death of a Sudbury man who died on the job five years ago.
This week, Dr. Harry Voogjarv, regional supervising coroner for North Region out of the Sudbury Office, announced that June 13 is when the inquest will be held into the death of Ronald Charles Lepage.
Lepage, 59, died in hospital on April 6, 2017, from injuries sustained while operating a dump truck at the Copper Cliff Refinery in Sudbury, said a news release.
An inquest is mandatory in Ontario when a worker dies on the job. Lepage was described at the time of his death as a contract driver for a Sudbury company who was disposing waste materials at Vale’s central tailings area when the fatal accident happened.
Lepage was an employee of Cecchetto and Sons, which initiated a GoFundMe to benefit the man’s family following his death.
“Ronnie was an extremely hardworking man that provided for his family, leaving them way too early at the age of 59,” said the GoFundMe page. “We are asking our local community to come together with open arms and share their generosity to help support the family during this very difficult time.
“Please extend your support by sharing with everyone you know so that we can come together as a community and show this family that they are surrounded by many compassionate people in times when they need it the most.”
His obituary states Lepage left behind his wife of 33 years, Aurelia, children Megan (Ryan) and Matthew, and three grandchildren, Carter, Oliver and Shelby.
The coroner's inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Lepage’s death, said the news release. The jury will review the evidence and may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths. The inquest is expected to last four days and hear from approximately 10 witnesses.
The inquest will start at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Sudbury Courthouse, 155 Elm Street. Dr. Geoffrey Bond will be the presiding officer. Mathieu Ansell and Manon Arbour will be inquest counsel, said the news release.
