Florida construction worker killed by large steam roller, police say

Florida construction worker killed by steam roller

A 62-year-old man was killed at a construction site in Palm Bay, Florida, after he became pinned between a large steam roller, according to the Palm Bay Police Department.

Police identified the construction worker as Noel Soleyn, of Fort Pierce. He was working as a contractor for Timothy Rose Construction, police said in a statement.

Authorities said the accident happened around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at a construction site on Satinwood Court NE. A roller machine reversed towards Soleyn, who became pinned.

A white sheet covered the victim's body as a nearby resident and witness to the incident, Magdalena Gratia, said a prayer.

"I heard screaming, and I didn’t know what was going on. I looked across the street, and I saw the man pulling this other man from underneath there," Gratia explained as she gestured toward the steam roller.

First responders arrived and attempted to resuscitate the man who died at the scene.

"It’s going to be in my mind for a while because I’m thinking about his family — Christmastime, you know. It’s horrible," Gratia added.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and colleagues. The accident remains under investigation and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident," police said.

FOX 35 News is attempting to confirm what specific company was completing the paving work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened an investigation into what happened.

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