ESTERHAZY — A worker who died in an underground potash mine in Saskatchewan has been identified as a loving father and active union member.
Unifor says Tyrone McLeod was a mine operator at the Mosaic Company’s K3 mine near Esterhazy. He died Monday in what the company called a fall of ground incident.
The 41-year-old was a valued member, Unifor’s president Lana Payne wrote in a message on the union’s website.
“Our union is deeply saddened by this tragic news,” Payne said. “We sincerely grieve this preventable loss and we extend our deepest sympathies and solidarity with his loved ones and Local 892 members.”
An obituary for McLeod says he leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
He was born in Hudson Bay and later moved to Yorkton. He began working at the mine in 2014.
“Tyrone was an amazing father, loving husband and a wonderful brother. He will be missed dearly and forever remembered always in our hearts,” says the obituary.
Payne said the province’s ministry of labour relations and workplace safety is investigating the death, and the union is seeking to be part of the process.
“Unifor will fight for justice for Tyrone and under no circumstances will we allow his death to be brushed aside,” Payne wrote.
“We stand ready to participate in the investigation into what transpired and to share our findings with the ministry to determine the extent of the employer’s culpability and what remedies are needed at the mine.”
Mosaic said in a statement it’s unable to provide further details about what happened while the investigation is ongoing, but it’s working with investigators to find answers.
“We are profoundly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Tyrone McLeod. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Tyrone’s family, friends, and all Mosaic colleagues who are grieving during this incredibly difficult time,” the company said.
McLeod’s family is asking for donations to a trust fund for his daughters.
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