Inquest begins into Sudbury contractor's death
It was emotional at times for the family of 59-year-old Ronald Lepage as the inquest into his death began.
Ron 'Ronnie' Lepage was killed after a workplace accident involving a dump truck at Vale's Copper Cliff mine site. (Cooperative Funeral Home)Lepage was working in April 2017 at the Copper Cliff refinery on Vale property. He was driving a dump truck when there was an incident with the liftgate.
Staff Sgt. Adam Walden testified his officer was told by Lepage that he had gotten out to inspect the gate when he heard air coming from underneath.
He went to check the situation when the truck lurched forward, pinning him underneath the vehicle.
It took first responders 45 minutes to free him from the situation.
"I got to see him, he was underneath the truck. He was talking and they were trying to lift it up and they weren't having any success at first," said his brother Tim, who worked with him at Cecchetto & Sons.
Tim, who worked as a heavy-duty mechanic, testified he was at the shop when he received the call that there had been an incident.
A co-worker drove him over to Vale to see his brother and then over to the hospital where Lepage later died from his critical injuries.
Due to Ontario law, the coroner must hold an inquest to look into the cause of death and what final recommendations can be made. In Lepage's case, they've convened a jury.
Crown counsel plans on calling 14 witnesses over a five-day period and a jury will make the final determination regarding his death.
Along with Walden and Lepage's brother, a health and safety expert testified along with an inspector from the Ministry of Labour on Monday.
Walden testified officers on the scene had found no level of criminality and no charges had been laid at the time.
Lepage left behind two adult children and two grandchildren, whom he had met a short time before the incident.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding
Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.