‘Beautiful soul’: Tributes for killed worker
Loved ones have paid tribute to a young man who died while working at a mine site in Western Australia’s Goldfields region.
Eli Kelly, 21, was employed as a contractor at the St Ives gold mine when he died onsite about 2.30pm on Tuesday.
His partner Lydia Higgins took to social media to share the tragic news.
“Fly high my love, Eli Kelly,” she wrote.
His brother Blake Kelly wrote: “I’ll always love you big bro.”
Other friends and family also shared their grief, saying that Mr Kelly was “such a beautiful soul” and “a wonderful human”.
“Such heartbreaking news, Lydia. Thinking of you and the whole family during this time. He is so loved and will be missed dearly,” one person wrote.
Another person commented: “What devastating news. Sending my condolences and thoughts to you, Lydia, and the Kelly family. Eli was an amazing young man.”
Police were called to the mine about 3pm on Tuesday in relation to a workplace incident, which occurred in the mining town of Kambalda, 60km south of Kalgoorlie.
When police arrived, they confirmed a 21-year old man had died.
A police spokesperson said his death was being treated as a workplace accident.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said they were notified of the fatality on Tuesday.
She said WA Police, WorkSafe investigators and scene examiners were onsite on Wednesday morning to conduct an examination and investigation.
“Every workplace fatality is a tragedy, and I extend my condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time,” she said.
It is the second death at the site in the past 18 months, which is owned by a South African company Gold Fields.
Gold Fields acting executive vice president Australia Graeme Ovens said it is was with deep sadness that Gold Fields confirmed a colleague was fatally injured yesterday at the St Ives mine.
“The entire Gold Fields community extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of the contractor employee who passed away in the incident,” he said.
“This is a tragic loss, and we are working with our contractors involved and our site teams to support them through this difficult time.
“All mining operations were suspended immediately following the incident and will resume when the regulator and the Gold Fields team have determined that work can safely recommence.
“Making sure everyone goes home safe and well at the end of each the day is our first and most important value, and we continue to work towards eliminating serious injuries and fatalities in our business.
“Out of respect for the privacy of those affected by this tragedy, and while there are investigations underway, we cannot provide further details.”
A WorkSafe investigation is ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
