UPDATE: Man in fatal industrial accident in Spallumcheen identified

SPALLUMCHEEN – The B.C. Coroners Service has identified the man who died in a fatal industrial accident in Spallumcheen Wednesday afternoon.

He was John Elliot Sleypen, 50, of Kamloops.

A Valley Roadways truck driver had just delivered a load of posts to Rapid-Span Structures on Industrial Drive in Spallumcheen around 1:30 p.m. He was in the process of releasing the straps when a portion of the load shifted and fell on him, RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says.

The Sleypen was rushed to Vernon Jubilee Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police, WorkSafe B.C. and the Coroners Service are investigating the accident. 

WorkSafe B.C. spokesperson Scott McCloy says prevention and investigations officers were dispatched to the scene Wednesday at 3 p.m.

“We are investigating to determine the cause of this tragic incident,” McCloy says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

—This story was updated at 9:20 a.m. Dec. 4 to include further information from the RCMP and again at 10:40 a.m to change the photo. 

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

6 responses

  1. Percy Bigelow

    You wellbe missed my friend So sorry for the family.

  2. My heartgoes outto my sister, and my nieces and nephews..

  3. I just hope my brother did not suffer.God bless him.

  4. So sad to hear that my brother-in-law, John Sleypen, was killed in a tragic industrial accident. My heart goes out to John’s family, my sister and my nieces and nephews. Blessings to all of you at this time of deep sorrow. RIP John, Love to all AuntieDebora.

  5. Walter Spivak

    Thoughts and prayers to this mans family, such a tragic accident.

  6. Robison Vera

    Sending prayers out to his Family.

Charlotte Helston

REPORTER

Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.

Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.

If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.

Charlotte Helston's Stories

Twitter

Facebook