Friend’s grief after excavator crush tragedy

THE railway contractor who lost his life on Wednesday morning following a tragic excavator rollover in northern Tasmania adored his little sister, was setting himself up for his future with the purchase of a house, and was looking for love to start a family.

Jason James, 29, died about 10.45am on Wednesday after the excavator he was driving on train tracks just off Evandale Rd, Evandale rolled. A second person sustained minor injuries.

Mr James, understood to have relocated full-time to Tasmania in early 2020 after growing up in South Morang, in Melbourne’s outer north, had a “heart of gold (and was) always there for his friends and family,” long-time friend Darian Riddler told the Mercury.

Ms Riddler said Mr James, who was a “brother” to her, “worked on the rails most of his working life and his goal was always to get ahead in life, he was so hardworking”.

“He had already bought his own home by himself (in Melton) just before Covid-19,” she said.

“He was always a generous person, he would give someone his last dollar if they needed help.

“He was such a genuine soul, honestly one of the best people I had ever met.

“All he wanted in life was to find love, he longed for true love and a family. I hope he knows how loved he was by everyone around him.”

Mr James especially loved his parents and little sister, working on cars, travelling, and pumping iron in the gym, Ms Riddler said.

“I was with him when I went overseas for my first time (to Bali) and we had the trip of a lifetime,” she said.

“I can hear it now, that infectious laugh of his.”

Mr James’ sister, Aime, said on social media she had been “absolutely broken” by the news of her brother’s passing.

“My earliest memories of life were with you, which I will never forget,” she said.

“You were so protective of me and you always gave me everything and I know you wanted the best for me. I know you are going to be watching down on us from heaven.”

A report is being prepared for the coroner, with WorkSafe Tasmania also investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr James’s death.