Mentor Trench Collapse: Worker Killed in Accident is Identified

MENTOR, OH — The worker killed in a Tuesday trench collapse in Mentor has been identified by city officials.

Alexander J. Marcotte, 28, died when a trench caved in on him while working to repair a water main on Heisley Road, city officials told Patch. Marcotte was an employee of Ohio Aqua, the sole water provider to the city of Mentor.

The workers were repairing the water line in relation to the Heisley Road widening project. The project will widen Heisley Road from two lanes to four lanes between Mentor Avenue and Jackson Street. Construction on the project will resume as of Wednesday, officials said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has concluded a preliminary investigation on the accident, but will launch an in-depth investigation that could take up to six months.

Aqua Ohio will also be conducting an internal investigation in addition to working with OSHA's investigation.

“We are tremendously saddened at the death of our valued team member,” said Aqua Ohio President Ed Kolodziej in a press release. “We extend our most heartfelt sympathies to the employee’s loved ones.”

Aqua Ohio will make grief counselors available for employees starting Wednesday.