Sunday, April 23, 2017

Charles Russell McFadden, 53, with W.E.L., Inc. died during a structure demolition project in Roanoke County, VA after the building collapsed on him






A local business is mourning the loss of an employee after a workplace accident Thursday.

A spokesperson for W.E.L., Inc. says Charles McFadden died during a structure demolition project in Bonsack. McFadden worked for the company for nine years.

The company says internal and external investigations are still on going.

Here is the press release:

It is with deep regret, and heavy hearts, that we confirm the passing of one of our most valued employees, and colleagues, Charles McFadden, due to an unfortunate, and tragic, industrial accident that occurred on April 20, 2017, during a structure demolition project, in Bonsack, VA.

Mr. McFadden was an employee of W.E.L., Inc. for nine (9) years, and will be deeply missed as a friend to all that worked with him.

Out thoughts, prayers, and support, are with his family, and friends during this difficult time, and we ask that all that knew Charles, to please do the same.

The internal, and external, investigations into this tragic accident are on going, and W.E.L., Inc., will continue to fully cooperate, and support all applicable agencies involved.




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Worker for Concord firm dies in industrial accident

Rachel Mahoney
April 21, 2017

A worker for a Concord-based company died in an industrial accident during a structure demolition project Thursday in Roanoke County, company officials said.

Charles McFadden, 53, of Appomattox, was working for W.E.L. Incorporated on the project in Bonsack, according to a news release from the company.

He had worked for the company for nine years “and will be deeply missed as a friend to all that worked with him,” the company said.

Emergency responders were called to a report of a commercial structure collapse Thursday at about 11:15 a.m. in the area of Layman Road. Police and EMS from Botetourt and Roanoke counties went to the scene. Roanoke County Fire & Rescue spokeswoman Jennifer Conley Sexton said one person was taken to a hospital.

The company said there are ongoing internal and external investigations into the accident, and the company “will continue to fully cooperate, and support all applicable agencies involved.”

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Occupational Safety and Health division is investigating the nature of the incident and whether any safety regulations had been violated, said Lee Willis, the department’s southwest region safety director. The company contacted the department Thursday afternoon.

W.E.L. was established in 1984 with offices in Roanoke, Winchester and Bluefield, West Virginia. It provides disaster and industrial services along with demolition services.

The Roanoke Times contributed.










Charles Russell McFadden dead at 53.  RIP
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