A Virginia Home Depot Employee Died After Getting Trapped Under A Forklift At Work
A Woodbridge, Virginia, man died last week during a workplace disaster in which he became hooked under a forklift, according to police.
Authorities found the man and identified him as 43-year-old Paul Gato, under the forklift and were confirmed dead at the scene.
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Authorities found the man and identified him as 43-year-old Paul Gato, under the forklift and were confirmed dead at the scene.
“Preliminary, detectives determined Gato was operating the forklift unloading supplies from a delivery truck when the forklift fell, trapping Gato,” the news release said. “The driver of the delivery truck heard the loud crash, noticed the deceased under the forklift, and immediately summoned emergency medical services and police.”
The investigation is ongoing, according to police, and the medical examiner’s office will perform an autopsy to “determine the cause of death.” The news release also said that police do not suspect criminal activity in this case.
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Margaret Smith, a Home Depot representative, expressed to PEOPLE that the corporation is “heartbroken by the loss of our friend” and described Gato as a “happy, friendly and caring person.”
Long time friend of Gato, Oral Ofori also spoke kind words about him saying, “Even before his cup is full, he’s helping people here,” Ofori told the outlet. “He was a huge-hearted person, very positive minded person, very giving and very nurturing.”