Man killed at his workplace on National Day of Mourning
Quin Cormier, 36, was reportedly pinned between 2 vehicles at a car dealership on Friday
In a sad case of irony, a Penticton man was killed in a workplace accident on the National Day of Mourning.
Worksafe BC and the coroner were on the scene at Skaha Ford for more than 24 hours investigating the death of a young worker who was reported to have been pinned between two vehicles.
The deceased is reported to be Quin Cormier of Penticton. He was 36.
His name was not officially released by the coroner, but tributes immediately began on social media shortly after the news spread of his death. Friends created a Go Fund Me page which received six donations within the first hour of it being posted.
“Quin had a really unique and special sense of humour, always making people laugh,” said Tyler Mittelsteadt, who first met Cormier when the two were in the fourth grade in Armstrong. Years later they both found jobs in Penticton. Mittelsteadt served as emcee at Cormier’s wedding.
“He was very caring, lovable but shy, a real gentle spirit. He was so in love with his wife, Jennifer. He’s going to be missed by a whole lot of people. It’s such a sad day for everyone who knew him, a terrible blow to all of us,” Mittelsteadt said.
Emergency services were called Friday at 11:35 a.m. to 198 Parkway Pl., to respond to reports of a man in cardiac arrest. According to eyewitnesses, who asked not to be identified, several staff members tended to him before the ambulance arrived.
Shortly before the tragedy, a service was held outside McLaren Park Arena in Penticton to recognize workers killed in workplace accidents.
“The purpose of National Day of Mourning is to make sure this never happens again,” said South Okanagan Boundary Labour Council member Lynn Kelsey, who was the last to speak at the ceremony.
“Less than 15 minutes later, a young man in Penticton lost his life. We don’t want to ever see deaths, we want people coming home safe.”
Cormier was married to his wife Jennifer. The couple did not have children. His hobbies included metal music, professional wrestling, video games, playing the guitar, and spending time with his wife.
Mittelsteadt said funeral arrangements are still being arranged.
A Go Fund Me memorial page has been set up at “In loving memory of Quin Cormier.”