On Friday, October 24, a devastating tragedy unfolded during the demolition of an old fuel terminal in Everett, Massachusetts, just north of Boston, claiming the lives of two workers in a catastrophic crane accident. The fatal incident occurred at a redevelopment site along the Mystic River, where a former ExxonMobil fuel facility is being dismantled to make way for a new commercial complex. According to officials, the crane—mounted on a barge—toppled over while crews were cutting pipes for the Everett Landco redevelopment project. Early investigations suggest that a cable may have snapped, setting off the chain of events that led to the deadly collapse.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene as the massive crane suddenly tipped over, sending debris into the water and triggering immediate chaos. Emergency responders rushed to the site, but despite their efforts, one worker was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. The victims were later identified as Paul Ledwell Jr., 37, of Halifax, Massachusetts, and Larriston Lake, a devoted father of four. Their tragic deaths have shaken both their families and the local construction community, igniting renewed concerns over workplace safety in high-risk industries.
The personal heartbreak behind this tragedy has resonated deeply with all who knew the two men. Larriston Lake’s close friend, Roy White, shared an emotional account of the moments following the accident. Speaking to NBC10 Boston, he recalled, “His wife called me last night, just crying and bawling. She told me that the last time she heard her husband, he was giving their daughter a kiss before he left for work. She was crying, saying she didn’t get to hear him one more time on her lunch break. It’s just horrible.” The anguish in those words reflects the devastating human cost that ripples far beyond the worksite.
Both Ledwell and Lake were members of the Piledrivers and Divers Local 56, a respected union representing skilled tradesmen across Massachusetts. In the wake of the accident, the union released a heartfelt statement mourning their loss: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of our brothers, Paul Ledwell Jr. and Larriston Lake. Our union places the highest priority on the safety and well-being of our members, and we will cooperate fully with authorities to understand what happened and to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.”
The Everett crane collapse has once again underscored the inherent dangers faced by workers in the construction and industrial sectors. Despite modern safety standards and regulatory oversight, fatal workplace incidents remain alarmingly common. The deaths of Ledwell and Lake add to a troubling pattern of recent construction fatalities across the country, each one serving as a painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger safety measures, more rigorous training, and improved oversight at job sites.
As federal and state investigators work to determine the precise cause of the collapse, attention has turned to preventing future tragedies. Experts emphasize that regular maintenance, proper load assessments, and strict adherence to safety procedures are crucial—especially in projects involving heavy machinery on unstable platforms such as barges.
For the families of Paul Ledwell Jr. and Larriston Lake, however, no investigation or safety reform can erase their grief. Both men were known as hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate individuals who took pride in their craft and provided for their families with integrity and care. Their loss leaves a void that cannot be filled—a devastating reminder of the fragility of life and the need to protect those who labor every day to build our communities.
As tributes pour in and investigations continue, the Everett community and the broader construction world stand united in mourning, honoring the memory of two men whose lives were cut tragically short doing the work they loved.
