The body of a worker who died at an oilsands mine north of Fort McMurray, Alta., has been recovered more than nine months later.
Suncor Energy provided a statement confirming Kenneth Joseph MacAulay’s body was recovered last week.
“Recovery has remained a top priority with continuous efforts underway since the event,” Suncor’s statement read.
“These activities were technically and operationally complex, and we needed to ensure the safety of response personnel at every stage.
“Our thoughts continue to be with the individual’s family, friends and colleagues.”
MacAulay was inside a piece of equipment Jan. 13 when it became submerged in muskeg at Suncor’s Fort Hills mine.
MacAulay was 66 years old at the time of the incident.
He’s from Souris, P.E.I.
Canadian Occupational Safety reported in late January Suncor “had hired a private industrial dive team” to search for MacAulay.
A follow-up report in early February still cited him as missing.
MacAulay’s obituary, also released in February, stated he’d “not be physically present at his memorial services.”
CTV News Calgary’s coverage of the matter in April couldn’t turn up whether his body had been recovered at that point.
His obituary describes “his sudden passing in a tragic accident.”
“Kenny loved fiercely and wholeheartedly,” his obituary said.
“He touched countless lives and was often at the center of laughter, stories and cherished memories.”
“Kenny was a thousand things,” it said.
“You could go on forever listing all of his qualities, but words have a way of falling short when they try to hold someone like him.”
Province investigating
Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, provided a statement on Monday:
“It is tragic when a worker dies on the job, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident,” it said.
“Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) continues to investigate a workplace fatality that occurred near Fort McMurray on Jan. 13.
“One worker died after equipment the worker was operating became submerged in muskeg.”
