City of Greater Sudbury worker killed in Highway 144 crash

The dump truck driver who was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 144 on Wednesday worked for the City of Greater Sudbury, the union says.

Ontario Provincial Police described the victim as a 60-year-old from the Valley East area of the city.

"It is with great sorrow that we announce the loss of our dear brother yesterday, in a fatal motor vehicle accident, at work," the union, CUPE Local 4705, said in an announcement Thursday morning.

"We send our condolences to his family, friends and co-workers."

CUPE Local 4705 represents City of Greater Sudbury workers in various departments, "from clerical and administrative staff to blue-collar employees."

The outside unit is made up of more than 500 full- and part-time city employees.

"This unit represents workers who perform mechanical, roads maintenance, parks and recreation maintenance, building maintenance, water and wastewater, airport maintenance and firefighting work," the union said on its website.

The city sent a statement about the crash around noon Thursday.

"The City of Greater Sudbury can now confirm that this tragic incident resulted in the death of an employee of the municipality. At the request of the family, we will not be sharing the employee’s name or identifying information," the news release said.

"We are heartbroken by this loss, and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of this individual."

Flags at city facilities will be lowered to half-mast Friday morning in honour of the man who died.

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"At this time, we have limited information about this collision and the police investigation is ongoing," the city said.

"Our focus right now is on supporting the staff members who were closest to this employee."

Members of the OPP collision reconstructionist and traffic collision investigation team are assisting the Nipissing West detachment in the continuing investigation.

Condolences are pouring in

"He always had a joke to tell ... rest in peace my friend," Paula Lariviere wrote on the union's Facebook post.

"A terrible loss he was a great friend and all around good guy RIP brother," Rob MacNeil said.

"Rest in peace my friend. I had the best of times working with you. Going to miss those daily laughs. Till we meet again. My sincere condolences to family and friends," Andrew Cote said.

The crash

The fatal crash happened around 3:45 p.m. near High Falls in the Onaping Falls area of Greater Sudbury.

Greater Sudbury deputy fire chief Jesse Oshell told CTV News in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, one person died after the dump truck appeared to have crossed into the oncoming lane and ended up on its side.

OPP said the the highway was closed in both directions between Gravel Road in Onaping Falls and the Watershed in Gogama for less than five hours, but the update wasn't posted on social media until about 11:30 p.m.

More information to follow as it becomes available.