Ottawa man, 20, dies in hedge-trimming accident
Ontario's ministry of labour is investigating after a 20-year-old Ottawa contractor died while working for a hedge-trimming company.
The workplace fatality happened on Friday in Manotick, a ministry spokesperson said. The man, 20-year-old Nick Chenier, was working for Best Green Hedges.
In a statement Monday afternoon, the company's owner confirmed Chenier died in a "tragic accident."
"I don’t think it’s possible to put into words the utter devastation of losing him - we're a close team, and Nick was like family to all of us," Sheldon Best Green said. "He always had a smile on his face, and was one of the most joyful and hardworking guys we have ever known.
"Spending time with Nick was everyone’s favourite part of the day, and he will be loved and missed beyond words."
The ministry of labour did not identify Chenier by name or give further details about the accident. But a GoFundMe started by a family friend said he was electrocuted.
"Sadly, Nick was electrocuted when he hit an overhead hydro line that was buried within the hedge (it had grown around it)," the GoFundMe page said. "Despite the best efforts of first responder and the Emergency Department at the Queensway Carleton Hospital they were unable to bring Nick back."
A ministry inspector and engineer attended the scene and issued four requirements the employer, the ministry spokesman said.
Best Green Hedges is a cedar trimming company whose website says it serves locations across the entire Ottawa region. The company is based in North Gower.
Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed condolences on social media Monday and shared the the GoFundMe Page, which is raising money for Chenier's mother and brother.
"I was devastated and heartbroken to learn of the loss of Nick Chenier in a tragic workplace accident on Friday," Sutcliffe said on Twitter.
The GoFundMe page is raising money for funeral costs, counselling services and Chenier's mother's lost wages as she takes time off work to grieve and support her son. The GoFundMe had surpassed its $40,000 goal as of early Monday afternoon.
In a statement, Hydro Ottawa said it was made aware of the incident on Friday, but could not comment further on the matter because it did not involve one of its employees or contractors.
"Friday's incident was tragic and we are all reminded how dangerous it is to work with and around electricity," the statement said. "We would like to reiterate to everyone that they do everything to ensure their safety.
The utility said residents should familiarize themselves with the location and voltage of the power lines around their home, and to always remain at a minimum of three to six metres away from wires at all times.
"The thoughts of the entire Hydro Ottawa organization are with the contractor's family."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.