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SafeWork SA investigates farm death

Posted on January 27, 2009, 6:06pm and updated on January 28, 2009 at 9:21 am

SafeWork SA is investigating the death of a local man on Friday night at Eight Mile Creek, south of Mount Gambier.

The district community is grieving the loss of devoted family man and CFS volunteer Darren Neale, who died on Friday from a falling hay bale just one week into his new job.

Darren NealeThe 38-year-old Allendale man (pictured) was killed when a silage bale fell on him from a truck at 10.40pm on a property at Eight Mile Creek.

Darren’s sister-in-law Lyn Mitchell yesterday told The Border Watch of the family’s grief.

“His children are heartbroken; he was too young to die,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“He had just become a grandfather and he was over the moon.

“He worked really hard to support his family.”

Meanwhile, his brother-in-law Paul Dunn said the family was devastated.

“It was his first week on the job and we understand a silage bale came loose and fell on him. We understand it was quite dark, raining and windy,” Mr Dunn said.

He described Darren, who was a father of four, as a “fantastic person”.

“Darren was part of my family for 20 years, he was an amazing person,” Mr Dunn said.

He said Darren gave up being a truck driver after his truck caught fire last year.

“The kids wanted him to get another job because they thought it was too dangerous,” Mr Dunn said.

“We are all very sad and devastated; we are all in shock.”

Mr Dunn said Darren’s body was flown to Adelaide yesterday for an autopsy.

He said Darren — who was also a keen surfer, fisherman and a former member of the Port MacDonnell Football Club — would be greatly missed in the community.

His wife Vicky was too distraught to talk to The Border Watch yesterday.

Meanwhile, Allendale East CFS captain Darren Breen said yesterday he was nicknamed “Smiley” because he was always happy.

“Nothing seemed to worry him. He was a great member of the brigade, he never had any hesitation in joining,” said Mr Breen, who explained Darren had been with the brigade for more than two years.

“He was always willing to help. He had a real community spirit.”

Mr Breen said Darren would be sadly missed at the brigade and the thoughts of members were with his family.

“His death came as a real shock because we found out while the brigade was called out to a haystack fire — that really brought it home,” he said.

“His death is very sad. He had just become a grandfather and he was over the moon about having a baby in the family.”

It is understood Darren was a state surfing champion during his younger years.

SafeWork SA acting executive director Bryan Russell confirmed the fatality would be investigated.

Mr Russell said the incident highlights the risks associated with transporting hay bales.

He encouraged all transport companies and rural property owners to implement appropriate safe work practices at every stage of the loading and unloading activity.

SANDRA MORELLO

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