Two workers killed in crane collapse at former Exxon terminal

By Neil Zolot

EVERETT – Two men were killed in a crane collapse at the 201 Rover St. marine dock on Friday, October 24. They have been identified as 44-year-old Larriston Lake of Roslindale and 37-year-old Paul Ledwell Jr. of Middleborough. The work involved dismantling facilities at the former Exxon terminal on the Mystic River and the Island End River. The site is in a former industrial zone, the Docklands District Innovation District, which is part of the larger Commercial Triangle, which is now being remediated for use for a proposed soccer stadium, apartment complex, lithium battery storage facility and waterfront park; 201 Rover is about 1.5 miles from the proposed stadium site on Alford Street.

Mayor Carlo DeMaria was at the site after the accident. ”I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two workers,” he wrote in a prepared statement. “On behalf of the City, I extend my heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and co-workers as they grieve this unimaginable loss.”

In another prepared statement, Charter Contracting head Robert Delhome wrote, “We are devastated to learn two individuals employed by a subcontractor died following a horrible accident.”

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Chief of Police Paul Strong have confirmed there is an open and active ongoing investigation being conducted by the State Police, Everett Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. “The City will continue to fully support and cooperate with the investigation,” DeMaria said.

“We are actively coordinating with all relevant public safety officials to understand why and how this happened,” Delhome added.

On his Facebook page, Mayor DeMaria shared a letter from Ledwell’s sister Darcy about him. She wrote he was “an incredible man in his work and life” and the family are “heartbroken beyond words.”

“Reading her message, as Mayor and an American, it makes me realize how sometimes we take lightly the work that’s being done behind the scenes and the men and women that work these vital, sometimes very dangerous jobs,” DeMaria wrote as an introduction to the letter. “May this terrible tragedy serve as a reminder they are putting their lives on the line everyday helping to build and rebuild our great country.”

Over 200 people expressed condolences to the families of the men in comments on the post.

Initial reports indicate a cable snapped, but under what circumstances are as yet unknown. DeMaria initially thought the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration would not be investigating the incident due to the government shutdown, but recent news reports indicate they will.