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Ironworker killed in fall at North Vancouver terminal identified

The man killed in a workplace accident at North Vancouver’s Neptune Bulk Terminals last week has been identified as Costec Chomenko, a 62-year-old Surrey man. Chomenko, an experienced ironworker employed by Termel Industries Ltd.
Neptune

The man killed in a workplace accident at North Vancouver’s Neptune Bulk Terminals last week has been identified as Costec Chomenko, a 62-year-old Surrey man.

Chomenko, an experienced ironworker employed by Termel Industries Ltd., was doing maintenance on the coal terminal’s ship loader when he fell about 10 metres to the asphalt below, according to the BC Coroners Service.

He was rushed to Lions Gate Hospital but died of his injuries.

Ironworkers local 97, the union he’d been a member of for 38 years, was in the midst of planning his retirement at the time, according to a post on the IW97 website.

“Costec was deeply respected and admired by the local 97 membership who will miss him beyond words’ ability to express,” the statement to members read. “Brother Costec, may your heart and soul find peace and comfort.”

Costec Chomenko
Costec Chomenko, 62, was an ironworker for 38 years. - photo supplied

Chomenko was born in Timmins, Ont., and spent his career working in highrise construction, demolition, surveying, pulp and paper, and mining, according to the union.

“Costec was an extremely competent ironworker who played an instrumental and unsung part in building this province. He had tremendous math skills, was a strong union man, a guitar player, and a man who enjoyed life thoroughly,” the statement read.

A preliminary inspection report from WorkSafeBC reveals little about the incident. A full report determining exactly what happened and how similar fatalities can be prevented is due later this year.