Tradie and father-of-two die in a workplace horror incident while operating heavy machinery
- Mervinjames Rufil remembered as ‘beloved comrade’
- Supposedly hit in the head by falling steel
- Prominent figure within the Mackay Filipino community
A father of two and a prominent figure within the Filipino community is mourned after a tragic accident at work.
It is understood Mervinjames Rufil was hit in the head by falling steel last week while operating machinery at All Metal Solutions in Paget, just south of Mackay in northwest Queensland.
He underwent emergency surgery at Mackay Base Hospital and later fell into a coma after being transported to Townsville Hospital.
After consultation with medical professionals and family, the heartbreaking decision was made to allow James to pass away on March 9.
James is survived by his wife and mother of his two children, Stephanietaylor Catalan, a 10-year-old son and a new daughter just three months old.
a GoFundMe as the grieving family quickly received more than $11,000 in just over a day.
Father of two and prominent figure in the Filipino community in Mackay, Mervinjames Rufil (left), died March 9 after a tragic work accident in Paget, south of Mackay
James is remembered as a man of ‘joy for life and for sport’ by those within the Mackay Filipino-Australian Community Inc. (MACAFI), where he served as community sports president.
“James was always energetic and served the community with a smile and fervor,” the GoFundMe description reads.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of our beloved comrade and a very active community official, especially in the basketball group,” a member of MACAFI wrote on Facebook.
A separate post on the Mackay City Filipino Community Facebook group reads, “On behalf of Mackay City Filipino Community, I would like to express my condolences to the family of James, one of the volunteers every time we have a sports fest.”
It is believed that while working at All Metal Solutions (pictured), James operated heavy machinery before being hit in the head by falling steel
“Thank you for all the memories we shared together, thank you for giving me two beautiful children,” James’ widow, Stephanie, wrote on Facebook.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your life. You’ll be in my heart forever.”
One Facebook user wrote, “Rest in peace papa dodot! I’m praying for you Steph and the whole family.”
“Oh Steph, I’m so sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family. I really feel sorry for you,” another user wrote.
He is remembered as a man with a ‘joy for life and for sport’, survived by his wife and two children, the eldest 10 years old and the youngest, only three months old
A novena, or public service, was organized by MACAFI on Tuesday evening and held at Saint Joseph’s Church in Mackay.
A Queensland spokesperson for occupational health and safety said the organization is “actively investigating an incident that occurred in Mackay last week in which a male worker was seriously injured.”
Daily Mail Australia contacted All Metal Solutions for comment.