On the morning of July 5, a tragic accident at a construction site in the Forest Grove neighborhood of Saskatoon claimed the life of Carl Lamoureux, a 38-year-old worker from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. As the crane was being set up on the south side of an apartment development along Webster Street, it suddenly collapsed around 9:40 a.m., fatally injuring Lamoureux and sending a second man, aged 37, to the hospital with undisclosed injuries. The devastating incident has now triggered a formal investigation by Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) branch, as both authorities and loved ones seek answers to a tragedy that has stunned a community.
Lamoureux’s family confirmed his identity following the incident but has declined further public comment due to the ongoing investigation. However, those who knew him have begun to share the contours of a life deeply rooted in Alberta history, outdoor passion, and hard-earned craftsmanship.
Carl Lamoureux was more than a construction worker—he was part of a historic Alberta lineage that extended back to the original Lamoureux brothers, who were among the early settlers of the Fort Saskatchewan area. The Lamoureux family operated a ferry service that connected Fort Saskatchewan with Edmonton, a symbol of both community connectivity and pioneering spirit that would come to define Carl’s legacy. That same blend of resilience and rootedness shaped Carl’s life and work, both of which were anchored in a deep appreciation for nature and an unshakable commitment to hard labor.
Raised in the traditions of his family, Carl was known for his deep affection for the outdoors. Summers were often spent at Buffalo Lake, where he immersed himself in water sports such as sailing, water skiing, kayaking, and swimming. Friends and relatives recall his boundless energy and skill as he navigated the lake with ease, his enthusiasm for the water matched only by his reverence for the land. Whether it was hunting in the woodlands around Fort Saskatchewan or fishing in remote rivers, Carl was most at home surrounded by nature. His seasonal contributions—geese harvested during hunts, wild game to fill the family freezer—were not just sustenance, but also testaments to his heritage and sense of belonging.
Perhaps most memorably, Carl was an avid fisherman, particularly drawn to river fishing. Donning hip waders, he would wade into icy waters for hours, patiently angling for sturgeon and other elusive prize catches. It was in these solitary pursuits that his loved ones say Carl was most himself—calm, focused, and happy. These quiet moments now echo with grief for those left behind.
The worksite where Carl lost his life was under the oversight of Wright Construction, a prominent firm with a wide presence in Saskatchewan. While Wright Construction’s president, Chris Doka, confirmed the company’s overall responsibility for the project, he clarified that neither Carl Lamoureux nor the second injured man were directly employed by Wright. Despite that, Doka emphasized the company’s full cooperation with investigators and reaffirmed their dedication to workplace safety. “This is a heartbreaking event, and we are committed to supporting the investigation in any way necessary,” Doka stated.
As per protocol in cases involving workplace fatalities, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) branch has assumed control of the investigation. Kate Crowley, a spokesperson for OHS, confirmed the agency’s involvement but also cautioned that final reports or details may not be made public unless the incident results in legal prosecution. Even in serious injury or fatality cases, OHS typically issues a public release only if prosecution is deemed appropriate and successful. Otherwise, documentation may remain internal. Notably, OHS does not categorize crane collapses in its historical incident tracking, meaning it is unclear how frequently such occurrences have taken place in Saskatchewan over the past decade.
This opacity has raised concerns in construction and labor safety circles, especially given the catastrophic nature of crane-related accidents. Cranes, by design, involve heavy lifting and elevated assembly, making them among the most regulated and risk-sensitive elements of any construction project. That one could collapse during setup—prior even to full operational engagement—raises serious questions about mechanical integrity, ground conditions, operator training, and safety protocol compliance.
The second man injured during the collapse remains unidentified, and his current medical condition has not been disclosed. The extent of his injuries may shed further light on the magnitude of the collapse and could also serve as a critical testimony in any legal proceedings or coroner’s inquest that may follow.
Meanwhile, the Saskatoon Police Service, which initially responded to the 9:40 a.m. incident, has been working closely with OHS investigators to preserve the integrity of the accident scene. Engineers and site inspectors have likely been brought in to assess the crane’s configuration, anchor points, and assembly process, all of which will be crucial in determining fault—if any exists—at the contractor, subcontractor, or equipment supplier level.
As formal investigations proceed behind the scenes, Carl Lamoureux’s family and friends are left grappling with an irreplaceable loss. Social media has begun to fill with tributes to a man remembered not only for his hard work and heritage but also for his unshakeable warmth and adventurous spirit. Many have shared photos of Carl waist-deep in riverbanks, proudly holding up massive fish, or gathered with family over a meal built from the land. These snapshots of joy, effort, and belonging serve as poignant reminders of the life that was taken far too soon.
At the heart of this tragedy lies a broader conversation about workplace safety in construction zones, particularly as it relates to heavy machinery and oversight. For Alberta and Saskatchewan’s booming development sectors, Carl’s death could mark a turning point, prompting renewed emphasis on worker protections, clearer reporting standards, and crane operation protocols.
Until then, the community in Fort Saskatchewan and across the Prairies will mourn Carl Lamoureux as more than a victim. He was a descendant of pioneers, a steward of the land and water, and a respected laborer who gave his all—until the very end. As investigations seek to determine what went wrong, one truth remains clear: Carl’s legacy is not defined by the accident, but by the life of authenticity, tradition, and quiet strength he lived each day.