The daughter of a truck driver who died in a tragic workplace accident on Tuesday has written an emotional tribute to her father, remembering him as the “kindest, most loving man”.
Erin Van Uden announced with a “heavy heart” the passing of her father, Craig Van Uden.
The tragedy occurred at around 8am in Donnybrook, 200 kilometres south of Perth, on 23 July.
Mr Van Uden, who works for Hastie Waste, suffered fatal injuries while collecting a rubbish bin from the front yard of a residential premises on Owen Street.
Police and paramedics attended the scene, where police reportedly found Mr Van Uden slumped under a truck.
The 57-year-old man died at the scene.
“This is a difficult time for our family and everyone who knew him,” his daughter wrote on social media.
“He was the kindest, funniest, most caring person who was loved by so many. We are in shock but thank everyone who has already shown their support.
WorkSafe WA is investigating the incident at Donnybrook. Photo: Supplied
Truck driver Craig Van Uden died after collecting a dumpster in Donnybrook, WA, on July 23, 2024. Image: Supplied
“We’ve already lit the fire and we’re sitting there waiting for you to come home, Dad. We love you.”
WorkSafe WA investigators attended the scene and conducted an examination.
Hastie Waste managing director Nigel Tuia said Van Uden had worked for the company for 11 years.
“Craig was a fantastic member of the team, always willing to greet us and cheerfully say ‘hello’,” he said.
“He made our workplace happy and spread joy to our customers he encountered throughout the day.”
Mr Van Uden’s death was one of two work-related deaths to hit Western Australia on Tuesday.
At 1.30pm, emergency services were called to Lilian Road in Maida Vale, in Perth’s east end.
“It is believed a worker was electrocuted while carrying out tree pruning work near high voltage power lines,” a WorkSafe spokeswoman said.
‘WorkSafe and Building and Energy investigators attended the scene.
‘Investigators examined the circumstances of the incidents in order to ensure compliance and prevent future incidents of a similar nature.’