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Family 'in shock' after man dies in Palm Bay construction accident involving steam roller

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Published  December 12, 2024 11:23pm EST
Brevard County
FOX 35 Orlando

Daughter mourns father killed in steam roller accident

A grieving daughter is speaking out after her father, Noel Soleyn, was killed in a construction accident in Palm Bay. Soleyn died after being struck by a steamroller while on the job, leaving his family in shock and heartbreak.

The Brief

    • Noel Soleyn, a 62-year-old father of six and grandfather of 10, tragically died in a construction accident in Palm Bay after being pinned by a steamroller. 
    • His daughter, Shelly'Ann, described him as a kind-hearted, hardworking man who was deeply loved by his family. 
    • The family, still in shock, is mourning the loss as they face their first holidays and upcoming life milestones without him.

PALM BAY, Fla. - A Florida family is grieving the loss of its patriarch after a construction accident in Palm Bay.

Noel Soleyn, 62, died when Palm Bay police said he was pinned by a steam roller at a construction site on Tuesday. His daughter, Shelly'Ann, described him a loving family man with a constant smile.

"He was the most kindhearted, hard-working, joyful person you could ever meet," Soleyn said.

Shelly'Ann spoke exclusively with FOX 35 News. 

"I was driving to go see him," Soleyn said. "I was five minutes away from his house when I got a phone call. It didn't make sense. I started calling him and blowing up his phone, but it was going to voicemail."

Noel Soleyn (left), 62, died when Palm Bay police said he was pinned by a steam roller at a construction site in Palm Bay on Dec. 11, 2024. [Credit: ShellyAnn Soleyn]

Noel Soleyn was a father of six and a grandfather of 10.

"We're all in shock," Soleyn said. "None of us can believe what's going on."

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Shelly'Ann Soleyn said the heartache is still too fresh. Her father was supposed to celebrate Christmas and his birthday in two weeks. He was also supposed to walk her down the aisle. Shelly'Ann just got engaged.

"It's something you dream about when you're a little girl," Soleyn said. "Your wedding day and being walked down the aisle by your father... I was just telling him about it."

Noel Soleyn, according to his daughter, was a career construction worker.

He brought her a rock back from a site more than a decade ago. She added to her childhood collection, and now it's what she cherishes most.

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"He's gotten me necklaces, earrings," Soleyn said. "He bought me a phone. It's a rock which is silly, but it just made me happy. He was at work thinking about me and he brought me something."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Palm Bay police are investigating the accident. Soleyn said it was too soon to know if the family intends to pursue legal action.

The Source: Information in this story was provided by the Palm Bay Police Department, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the daughter of Noel Soleyn, Shelly'Ann Soleyn.

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