A central Alberta man has died after an accident on the jobsite bearing his name.
Donald Laing, 61, died Thursday morning after he was unloading heavy concrete blocks off a forklift.
Investigators believe he got off the machine while it was still running. It rolled forward, crushing him to death.
He was found dead under the forklift’s rear tire.
Occupational Health and Safety are conducting an investigation, though police and investigators believe foul play was not a factor in Laing’s death.
Ponoka RCMP Const. Jim Lank said investigation of the scene is a clear indication it “was nothing more than a terrible accident” and Laing “died instantaneously.”
His body was transported to the medical examiner’s office Friday for an autopsy.
Don Laing Trailers was established near Ponoka nearly 30 years ago. A spokesman for the family-run business says Laing is irreplaceable, and his death has shocked his employees and relatives.
“He was a very wonderful man to work for, and he treated most of us very well.”
