Employee, 18, dies in workplace incident-updated

Aylmer Police Chief Zvonko Horvat reported on Wednesday, March 15, that a worker, 18, at Elgin Feeds on John Street North had died as the result of an industrial accident that occurred at 10:45 a.m.

The male employee was working in the area of a grain elevator when he lost his footing and fell into a shaft, sustaining life-threatening injuries.

He was taken by ambulance to St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, where he died.

The federal Department of Labour had been notified and would be conducting an investigation, Chief Horvat said.

Later that same day, Elgin Feeds, on a social media post, stated it “is grieved to announce today the tragic death of a beloved employee and family member. Ryan Laarman, aged 18, (who) died today in a mill accident.

“Ryan has been a part-time employee for three years. He attended Grade 12 at St. Thomas Community Christian School.