The man killed in a Dec. 21. workplace accident at an Oro-Medonte Township quarry has been identified by a family friend as Michael Pridham.
He and his wife Paula have two children, aged five and two, the friend said, adding a fundraising campaign (gofundme.com/g2tkv-do-it-for-
“It’s an incredible loss for all of his friends and family who knew him as a selfless, honest, loving and hard-working man and father,” the gofundme page reads.
“This has happened right before Christmas, leaving his wife and two young children without a father and husband. Michael spent most of his hours working incredibly hard to support his family. We hope to do Mike’s work for him and raise these funds for his wife Paula Pridham and his children.”
As of late Monday afternoon, the campaign had raised $18,755 of its $20,000 goal.
The 36-year-old, employed by Vic Priestly Contracting Ltd., was killed at Priestly/Nelson Aggregates in Hawkestone, says a spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, which is investigating the incident.
The official said the man "sustained fatal injuries while dismantling a stone/gravel impact crusher.”
Barrie OPP Const. Clark Putman said police are assisting the ministry, which is taking the lead on the investigation.
