The daughter of a truck driver killed in a tragic work-related accident on Tuesday has penned an emotional tribute to her father, remembering him as the ‘kindest, most caring man’.
Erin Van Uden announced with ‘a heavy heart’ the passing of her father Craig Van Uden.
The tragedy struck about 8am in Donnybrook, 200km south of Perth, on July 23.
Mr Van Uden, who works for company Hastie Waste, suffered fatal injuries while collecting a skip bin from the front yard of a residential premises on Owen Street.
Police and paramedics rushed to the scene, where the police reportedly found Mr Van Uden collapsed under a truck.
The 57-year-old man died at the scene.
‘This is a hard time for our family and everyone who knew him,’ his daughter wrote on social media.
‘He was the kindest, funniest and most caring person who was loved by so many. We are in total shock but thank everyone who has already shown their support towards us.
WorkSafe WA is investigating the incident at Donnybrook. Picture: Supplied
Truck driver Craig Van Uden died after collecting a skip bin in Donnybrook, WA, on July 23, 2024. Picture: Supplied
‘We’ve got the fire going and are sitting waiting for you to come home now dad. We love you.’
WorkSafe WA investigators attended the scene and conducted an examination.
Hastie Waste managing director Nigel Tuia said Mr Van Uden had worked for the company for 11 years.
‘Craig was a terrific team member, who was always quick with a wave and a cheery hello,’ he said.
‘He made our workplace a happy one and spread the joy to our customers that he encountered across his day.’
Mr Van Uden’s death was one of two work-related deaths to hit WA on Tuesday.
At 1.30pm, emergency services rushed to Lilian Road in Maida Vale, in Perth’s outer east.
‘A worker was believed to have been electrocuted while conducting tree lopping work near overhead high voltage power lines,’ a WorkSafe spokeswoman said.
‘Investigators from WorkSafe and Building and Energy attended the scene.
‘The investigators examined the circumstances of incidents with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents of a similar nature.’
