Paul Vanderwyst killed after being trapped under trailer

Former Malahide Councillor and Kingsmill Grain co-owner Paul Vanderwyst, 48, of Malahide was killed after the heavy canopy of a homemade trailer he was working on fell on him at his farm and home on Ron McNeil Line near Buis Line north of Orwell on Sunday afternoon, April 24.

Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police Constable Troy Carlson said officers, along with emergency medical services and Malahide firefighters, responded to the farm and residence at 3:40 p.m. that day to a report of a man trapped under a trailer.

When emergency workers arrived, Mr. Vanderwyst had already died, Const. Carlson said.

“Police investigation revealed that the male had been working under the canopy of a homemade trailer used for hauling ATV’s (all-terrain vehicles) and snowmobiles,” Const. Carlson said. “The canopy, which was made of heavy plate steel, fell and pinned the male across the waist area between the canopy and the trailer platform. It is believed that the male could have been pinned for up to half an hour.”

Const. Carlson said a post mortem examination was scheduled for Monday, April 25.

“Police continue to investigate the incident, however foul play is not suspected,” Const. Carlson said.