Worker dies after falling through ice at Suncor Energy plant

| January 17, 2021 in National News

Local Community Advertising

A man is dead following a freak accident in Alberta this weekend. 

According to a statement from Suncor Energy, on Friday, a dozer broke through the ice of an inactive tailings pond at the company's base plant in Fort McMurray. The operator of the equipment, Patrick Poitras, was immediately declared unaccounted for. 

On Saturday, Suncor recovered Poitras' body and confirmed his death. 

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we can now confirm the death of our co-worker Patrick Poitras, an employee of Christina River Construction," wrote the company. "Emergency responders completed their recovery efforts this evening at our Base Plant operation."

"Patrick will forever remain in our thoughts. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and co-workers."

Those affected by the incident can access virtual or on-site counselling from professionals at the company. 

NowMedia will update the situation when more information is available. 

Local Community Advertising

Trending Stories

UPDATE: 2 dead after head-on collision on Hwy 5

UPDATE: RCMP find Kelowna senior's vehicle, man still missing

UPDATE: US authorities have now found 2 bodies in search for missing BC kayakers

'Trees going up like Roman candles' as fire season starts early in BC and Alberta

Missing Kelowna senior: Search teams return to backcountry where truck was found

UPDATE: BC dog reunited with owners after going missing in mountains

2 BC men top the list of Canada’s top 25 most wanted fugitives

‘Trying not to die’: Tourism operators face heavy debt, even as business roars back