Fundraiser launched for family of young father killed at Algoma Steel

A young father is being mourned by friends and family who say he is the worker killed Thursday at Algoma Steel.

A crowdfunding effort is underway in memory of Damien Bryant, an employee of GFL Environmental Inc. who is said to have died June 15 from an industrial accident in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Proceeds for the GoFundMe will go toward his one-year-old daughter, by way of Bryant’s mother.

"On June 15 our friend and coworker Damien Bryant passed away suddenly after being involved in an industrial accident in Sault Ste. Marie," reads the GoFundMe page. "He leaves behind a family, including his 1-year-old daughter."

"All proceeds from this campaign will go to his mother to help support his daughter," it continues. "A date for Damien's funeral has not yet been set."

The write-up is signed: "Employees of GFL Sudbury & Sault Ste. Marie."

The Ministry of Labour is continuing to investigate the incident, which claimed the life of a contract worker who lost consciousness while cleaning an out-of-service gas line.

So far, more than $44,000 of the $50,000 target amount has been raised in support of Bryant’s young daughter.

According to the GoFundMe, $25,000 was pledged to the crowdfunding effort by Patrick Dovigi, founder of GFL Environmental Inc.

An additional $2,000 was pledged by Damien Rodriguez, who is listed as a vice-president of GFL.

An annual family picnic organized by Algoma Steel was cancelled Saturday in wake of the tragic death.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues affected by this devastating loss,” said Algoma Steel CEO Michael Garcia in a prepared statement on Friday. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our workplace is a top priority and core value at Algoma Steel.”

Garcia is scheduled to appear in front of Sault Ste. Marie City Council Monday evening for a previously scheduled presentation about the company.

“We look forward to providing the mayor and council with an update," said Brenda Stenta, Algoma Steel's communications manager, in a Friday email to SooToday.