A much-loved dad died after being crushed by a concrete drain at the construction site he was working on, an inquest has heard.
Joe Heath was helping build a new logistics centre for COOK Classic in the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne when his death occurred.
Dozens of tributes have since been paid to the popular footballer from Folkestone, described by his wife as a “caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person”.
At an inquest opening into his death at Oakwood House in Maidstone on Friday, February 6, coroner Katrina Hepburn explained the events in the lead-up to his death.
The court heard Joe had been attending a “large concrete drain measuring 6ft by 12ft” which this had been lowered into a hole.
He then climbed into the hole and unclipped the chain which attached the concrete to the digger.
The coroner said: “He unclipped all three hooks and gave the thumbs up. The concrete drain was lifted but the chains did not release properly causing the concrete to move and it crushed Joe. He died at the scene.”
There was no suggestion that Mr Heath did not follow the usual procedure, and the coroner ruled further investigations were necessary.
The 36-year-old died on January 21 and he was identified by his supervisor to Kent Police.
Ms Hepburn gave his cause of death as 1A multiple injuries.
She adjourned the inquest until June 16 at 10am at Oakwood House but said it was a provisional date as further investigation may be required.
A fundraising page set up by a friend to support his family and pay for his funeral has since seen nearly £10,000 raised. You can donate here.
It includes a message from his pregnant wife, Amber, who writes: “My Joe, my Husband, my best friend and my absolute world, devastatingly and cruelly got taken from me, providing for our family like he has always done, leaving his four beautiful children and unborn baby behind.
“Anyone that knows Joe will know just how much of a caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person he is. The best part of me left with him that day and he deserves the very best send-off.”
A tribute is also paid by Radnor Park Ladies FC, whom he coached.
“Everyone at Radnor Park Ladies has been devastated by the tragic loss of our coach and dear friend, Joe Heath,” it says.
“Joe’s unwavering dedication, time, love and passion for this team, week in and week out, brought us closer together: not just as teammates, but as friends.
“Through rain or shine, he was always our strongest supporter; the spark we so often needed, making us laugh, smile, and push ourselves to be better for one another.
“Joe gave everything to us, and his loss has left a wound that will never truly heal. We are raising funds in his memory, to honour the incredible person he was and to support those he loved most.
“Words will never be enough, Joe. Radnor family forever.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was notified and is working with police.
A COOK spokesman said at the time: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life at the construction site for our new logistics centre.
“Our thoughts are with the individual’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.
“The relevant authorities and the construction company are continuing their investigations into what happened. We can’t comment further at this time.”
A spokesperson for Winvic Construction said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a fatal incident occurred at our Sittingbourne site on Wednesday, January 21, involving a member of our subcontractor workforce.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the individual’s family, friends, and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.
“We are supporting the relevant authorities, including the HSE, with their investigation into the incident. We are unable to comment further at this time.”
