NANTICOKE – A Six Nations man has died after what is yet to be determined an industrial accident at the Imperial Oil refinery in Nanticoke.
Christopher Powless, son of lacrosse legend Gaylord Powless and former Six Nations Jr. A Arrow was alone when the incident occurred and to date there is no one who has come forward who may have witnessed what happened.
The OPP as well as the Ontario coroners office are investigating the incident which occured Monday at around 2:20 pm at the Imperial Oil refinery at Nanticoke’s, 225 Concession 2 site.
“At this time, it has not been determined if this fatality is work related. So the OPP and the coroner have lead of this investigation at this time,” according to the Ministry of Labour.
Mr. Powless was a contractor for Safway Services Canada of Stoney Creek, which supplies scaffolding and insulation for Imperial Oil’s Nanticoke facility.
A spokesperson for parent company said it’s not yet known what led to Mr. Powless’ death. As of press time, it was also not determined what he was doing and where exactly in the Nanticoke facility he was working when he died.
“As a company, we’re greatly saddened by this incident and we express our deepest sympathies with the family and co-workers of our colleague,” said Imperial Oil spokesperson Killeen Kelly.
The 34 year old Six Nations man leaves behind his wife, mother, sister and several other grieved family members. Funeral services will be held on Saturday in Ohsweken.
