Paul Ledwell, Larriston Lake Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identities of the two workers who tragically lost their lives following a crane collapse on the Everett waterfront in Massachusetts on Friday. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office confirmed on Monday that the victims were 44-year-old Larriston Lake of Roslindale and 37-year-old Paul Ledwell of Middleboro. Both men were part of a crew conducting work along Rover Street, near the Encore Boston Harbor area.
According to Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria, preliminary reports indicate that a cable malfunction caused the crane to give way while the two men were engaged in removing large pipes from the dock area. The workers had been part of a team assisting in the dismantling of a former ExxonMobil industrial facility, which has been undergoing redevelopment.
The mayor explained that when the crane collapsed, one of the workers fell into the nearby water. Emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the site, where one worker was found unresponsive and pronounced deceased at the scene. The second worker was transported to a nearby hospital but later passed away from his injuries.
Local, state, and federal authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collapse. Officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Coast Guard visited the scene on Monday to assess safety conditions and begin their inquiries. Representatives from the Coast Guard noted that their investigation will focus on determining “how best to conduct the review” to establish what factors led to the crane’s failure.
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Everett Police, Massachusetts State Police, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are all working collaboratively to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review safety procedures related to the incident. Investigators are expected to examine the condition of the crane, its maintenance history, and worksite safety protocols to determine if any contributing factors played a role.
Both men were members of the Pile Drivers & Divers Local 56 Union, which released a statement on Friday expressing deep sorrow over the loss of two of its members. “We put a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety of our members at all times,” the statement read. “It devastates us that our members and their families were affected by this tragic event. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to their loved ones during this difficult time.”
Union representatives also confirmed they are cooperating fully with investigators and plan to review workplace safety procedures to help prevent similar occurrences in the future. The organization emphasized that construction and dock work often involve complex operations and that maintaining rigorous safety standards remains a top priority.
The Everett community has expressed an outpouring of sympathy and support for the families of the two men. Local officials described the workers as skilled professionals who played an important role in the city’s waterfront redevelopment efforts. Community members have shared messages of condolence, recognizing the dangerous and demanding nature of the work carried out along the industrial waterfront.
Mayor DeMaria stated that the city is committed to working closely with investigators and federal agencies to ensure that the causes of the collapse are fully understood and that any necessary safety improvements are implemented. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our community,” he said. “We owe it to these workers and their families to make sure that something like this never happens again.”
As the investigation continues, OSHA and the Coast Guard will provide updates once they complete their technical assessments. Meanwhile, union members and colleagues of Lake and Ledwell plan to honor their memory with a private gathering recognizing their contributions and dedication to their work.
