'Top fella' crushed to death by falling wind turbine in horrifying work accident

Installation technician Jess Patience, 36, was praised by friends for his affable qualities and his willingness to support members of his time - he leave behind a wife

A man who died after being crushed by a wind turbine blade has been remembered as a "top fella" by those who knew him.

Installation technician Jess Patience, 36, was working at a construction site in Rokewood, in Australia's Victoria state, when the horror accident happened on Monday. He was crushed after a blade got dislodged as it was being prepared to be lifted.

A GoFundMe campaign has been organised that will go toward funeral expenses as well as supporting the family. The campaign said: "As we come to terms with this unimaginable loss, we want to honor his memory and support his family during this difficult time.

"To help ease the financially burden that comes with such a tragedy, we are organising a fundraising campaign. The funds will go directly to funeral expenses and supporting the family."

Since being launched two days ago, the campaign has raised $112,520 AUD (£57,541), smashing its $15,000 (£7,671) AUD target. His colleagues took to social media to remember the technician.

News.au reported friend Ellior Sawkins said on social media said Jess was a "top fella." He added: "Jess was one of the most friendly guys I've met and took me under his wing to teach me a lot in the time I worked with him.

"He was always down for a chat about a lot of our shared experiences from growing up in the ranges to living in Canada, he was a top fella. This tragedy has resulted in someone not returning home from work and has left behind his wife.”

First responders tried to revive the technician when they arrived at the scene on Monday but he was soon declared dead. Photos taken at the site of the accident show two turbine blades resting on metal scaffold.

The accident happened at the Golden Plains Wind Farm Project where work was underway to build an energy facility that includes wind turbine. Vestas, the company taking on the first stage of the project said it would launch an investigation into the death.

A company spokesperson previously told The Mirror: "Vestas can confirm a subcontractor passed away on 11 November following an incident at TagEnergy’s Golden Plains Wind Farm – Stage 1. Vestas share their deepest condolences with the individual’s family, and we will do everything we can to support them during this difficult time.

"Safety is Vestas’ number one priority, and Vestas and the project partners are working closely with local authorities, including the Victorian Police and WorkSafe Victoria, to investigate the incident and determine the underlying cause. The site has been paused due to the incident, and as with any incident and out of respect to the deceased we ask everyone to avoid speculation and await the findings from the investigation."