The men killed at a workplace accident on Gabriola Island have been identified.
Sources tell CHEK News the victims are Chris Straw and Marc Doré, both former CBC employees and long-time friends.
The two men were helping pour the foundation for a home when a concrete pump-truck boom broke and fell on them at around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. They were both pronounced dead at the scene, despite a massive effort by first responders.
“They’ll be sadly missed, both men,” Sue Lissack, neighbour and friend, told CHEK News.
Straw, who had worked at CBC for 29 years as a radio broadcaster, was in the process of building a new home when the accident happened. He was also an artist — using the neighbouring property as a studio — and served as a spokesperson for the Southcoast Shipwatch Alliance.
“I’m devastated. Chris was an activist on this island. He is going to be so sorely missed. I know his whole family and I just can’t believe [it],” said Mike Pelzer, a friend of Straw.
Doré was a respected builder on Gabriola Island, building houses with his wife. The two were also well-known members of the community.
“He and his wife build houses together they’re all well-known members, very popular the two men and their wives and they live steps apart,” Lissack, adding. “I feel so sorry for their wives. I think a lot of us didn’t sleep very well last night. We’re so upset about it.”
The concrete company, Bedrock Redi-Mix, which is based near Nanaimo, said in a statement they are saddened to confirm the fatal accident at the project site.
“We are in shock and are extremely concerned about the impact to these individuals’ families and friends. Bedrock Redi-Mix is fully cooperating with the site management and all provincial safety authorities,” said Faron Parlee, Bedrock’s Manager.
Both WorkSafeBC and the B.C. Coroners Service continues to investigate.
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Nicholas Pescod
