WorkSafeBC has launched an investigation into the death of a worker on the Sunshine Coast, after being notified of the incident on Oct. 19. The fatal incident happened in the 100-block of Mahan Road in Gibsons earlier this month.
While an investigation is under way, WorkSafeBC does not provide more information to the media. The Sunshine Coast RCMP referred all questions to WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroner’s Service.
“The purpose of our investigation is to identify the cause of the incident, including any contributing factors, so that similar incidents can be prevented from happening in the future,” WorkSafeBC spokesperson told Coast Reporter via email.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) confirmed that two ambulances and a helicopter responded to a call at 3 p.m. on Oct. 18 that someone had fallen from a roof in Gibsons. Paramedics cared for one patient, who was then transported by air ambulance to the hospital in critical condition.
The family of Michael White, known as Mike, says he was 62 years old and worked as a roofer. They said he fell from a roof and was taken to the hospital but died in surgery.
Johnson-Barr Construction, the company White was working for, declined to comment on the incident.
His family describes White as an artist with a sense of humour and a great laugh, who was loved by everyone.
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