A man died after being crushed by a digger at a waste recycling plant, an inquest opening heard. John Graveson was was so severely injured that he had to be identified by his fingerprints, the court was told.
The 42-year-old, from Ashton-under-Lyne, suffered 'catastrophic' injuries after being hit by an excavator vehicle at the Aspire House industrial estate on Outram Road in Dukinfield on March 3, 2023.
Mr Graveson, originally from Carlisle, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. A 33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of gross negligence and manslaughter was later released under investigation.
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An inquest into Mr Graveson’s death was opened by assistant coroner Christopher Briggs at South Manchester Coroners' Court in Stockport on Wednesday morning (March 29).
The court was told a police investigation is ongoing. Cops are working with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) officials.
Mr Briggs said Mr Graveson, who was employed as yard man, was involved in a 'work-related incident', with the machine being operated by another person.
He died after suffering 'catastrophic injuries whilst engaged in his duties at the premises', the court was told.
The court heard Mr Graveson was identified by his fingerprints. His cause of death was listed as 'crush injuries'.
The inquest was adjourned until July 18.
Following Mr Graveson’s death, a number of family and friends came forward to pay tributes to him. One friend called him a ‘legend’, describing him as 'fun, bubbly and always laughing and smiling'.
Another said: "Gutted to hear of the passing of big John Graveson. Top fella and great guy, RIP pal."
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