The employee of Ben Weitsman & Son's facility who died in a workplace accident Friday has been identified by police.
Officials say Michael T. Burke, 49, of Owego, was walking across the scrap yard when he was struck by a front loader being operated by another employee at 2:29 p.m.
Tioga County 911 was immediately contacted, and emergency personnel responded.
Burke died at the scene.
The facility is at 15 W. Main St. in Owego and is the sister company to Upstate Shredding in Owego, owned by Adam Weitsman.
In an email Friday, Weitsman described the employee as a "really nice guy," one who was very respectful and a hard worker, who had been with the company for about two years.
New York State Police, the Owego Police Department and the federal Occupational, Safety and Health Administration are continuing the investigation.
Upstate Shredding operates in 18 locations in New York and Pennsylvania. It has 400 employees companywide, and 130 in Owego.
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June 23, 2017
By FOX 40 Staff
OWEGO, N.Y. -
A man has died after being struck by a piece of heavy equipment at a Ben Weitsman & Son facility in Owego, NY.
The accident occurred at 15 W. Main St. on Friday around 2:30 p.m.
Company Owner, Adam Weitsman took to Facebook to offer his condolences on Friday night.
"A few hours ago we had a fatal accident at our Main Street Owego NY retail yard involving a worker and a loader," wrote Weitsman. "A really respectful, decent man has passed and I feel horrible this has happened."
This man was loyal and always pleasant to be around whenever I went to visit that location. He will be sadly missed by everyone here. Praying for him hard tonight.
— Adam Weitsman
According to a company spokesperson, Stephen Donnelly, the man had been working for the company for a few years and was a "good worker". He added the company's thoughts and prayers are with the employee's family following the tragic accident.
Officials have not yet released the man's identity.
The investigation is ongoing.
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OWEGO (WBNG) -- An incident at Weitsman Recycling in Owego has left an employee dead, according to the company's spokesperson.
Emergency responders were called to the business at 15 W. Main Street Friday afternoon.
The company spokesperson told 12 News that an employee died after being run over by a piece of heavy equipment.
Authorities have not released the employee's name or any other details regarding the death.
The company spokesperson referred to the incident as "tragic" and said workers' hearts go out to the family.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate. Stay with 12 News for updates.