OPP name worker electrocuted in greenhouse sprinkler incident

Essex County OPP have released the name of the worker involved in a fatal electrical incident at a Leamington greenhouse on Monday morning.

Joshua Remigio, 29, of Leamington, was electrocuted while working on the property of Great Lakes Greenhouses at 834 Mersea Road 4.

According to his obituary, Remigio had many family members and friends in the area. He was known as “Remi” in his social circle, and was described as a “lover of all sports” who coached children in his free time. Arrangements are in the process of being made with Reid Funeral Home in Leamington.

The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. Monday. Police confirmed at 3:30 p.m. that the victim had died from his injuries. According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Remigio was not employed by Great Lakes Greenhouses at the time — he was working for a company called SR Sprinklers. Ministry inspectors on the scene issued two work orders for Great Lakes Greenhouses: A requirement not to disturb the scene, and an order to stop work until the non-disturbance order has been lifted.

The investigation continues. According to the ministry, the deceased was working on an electrical panel when he sustained his injuries.

SR Sprinklers is a Leamingtonbased business that installs and repairs commercial and residential irrigation and sprinkler systems. Great Lakes Greenhouses advertises itself as a family-owned and operated company for the past 34 years. The business specializes in growing, packing and shipping hydroponic cucumbers. Cucumber production goes on year-round. The property covers 90 acres.

The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario both expressed condolences and sympathies to family and friends of the dead worker. “We just want everyone to be able to go home safely at the end of the day,” the IBEW Construction Council of Ontario stated.