A Whitman man was killed in a tragic accident at the P.A. Landers company on Hedges Pond Road in Plymouth Tuesday around 11 a.m.
The family of Charles Pace, 65, of Whitman is in mourning over the loss of their father describing their emotions as “raw” during an interview with the Express.
Pace was driving a front-end loader, which was still in operation when a sand pile collapsed. He was recovered after several hours involving the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Plymouth Fire Battalion Chief Dean Deltorto.
“The accident is under investigation by Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), a federal team,” according to Deputy Chief Michael Young of Plymouth Fire on Wednesday morning.
Young expressed gratitude and thanks for the Plymouth County Tech Rescue workers and all involved in such difficult circumstances.
The Paces were married for 45 years and he was a lifelong resident of Whitman. His adult daughter, Jennifer, one of three children, said that their father was a great man. He worked for more than a decade at P.A. Landers.
He was experienced in heavy equipment operation and loved his work, said his wife Milly.
They have eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.
“I don’t know what to say. He loved his work and his family. He could fix just about anything, “said wife Milly.
His daughter said he was a longtime member of the Shriners.
Jennifer’s husband and brother also work for the P.A. Landers Company. They have been receiving many phone calls of support from fellow workers and friends. She said her dad was well liked by all who knew him.