The County of Simcoe employee who was killed in a workplace accident earlier this week at an Oro-Medonte landfill site is being described by loved ones as a “beautiful soul” who always put her family’s needs first.
According to an online fundraiser, 38-year-old Sarah Monaghan was a mother of three children — ages nine, 14 and 16.
Monaghan, who was originally from Orillia, had been living in the Moonstone area with her family.
As of 2 p.m. today, the fundraiser had received more than $44,000 in donations.
“Her sudden passing has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. As we navigate this unimaginable grief, our priority is ensuring that her children are supported, cared for and given stability during this devastating time,” family member Jordanne Brittle wrote on the fundraising page she created to help Monaghan’s family.
“Sarah was the devoted partner of my brother, Kevin Kyte, and a constant source of love, strength and warmth to everyone who knew her. She worked tirelessly to provide for her children … always putting their needs first and doing everything she could to give them the best life possible.”
Brittle says she created the fundraiser to help with the family’s immediate needs, including funeral expenses, and to provide ongoing support for Monaghan’s children.
“Any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference and be received with deep gratitude,” Brittle wrote. “Thank you for keeping Sarah’s family in your thoughts and for helping us honour the memory of an incredible woman whose kindness and love touched so many.”
Emergency crews were dispatched to the Simcoe County-run landfill site, located on Old Barrie Road near Line 7 North, around 8:30 a.m. on Monday, after it was reported that a person had been struck by a vehicle that hauls garbage in and out of the facility.
Oro-Medonte Fire Chief Roree Payment said on Monday morning that upon arrival to the scene, it was determined the person had already succumbed to the injuries.
A second person associated with the incident was taken to the hospital, Payment said this afternoon.
Ontario Provincial Police initially took over the scene, but the Ministry of Labour was also notified and began its investigation.
A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development confirmed the ministry was notified of a workplace incident in the County of Simcoe where a worker was struck by a vehicle and later died.
“Two ministry inspectors and an ergonomist attended the workplace. One health and safety requirement was issued to the employer, (the) Corporation of the County of Simcoe,” a ministry official said via email.
“The investigation remains ongoing.”
Ministry of Labour ergonomists provide technical support to inspectors and conduct inspections focused on protecting workers from hazards. Occupational ergonomics focuses on interactions between workers and elements in their workplaces. These elements can include equipment, work stations, work processes, and environmental influences.
Ministry officials were unable to comment on enforcement actions during an active investigation, the spokesperson added.
The landfill was closed to the public following the incident, and will remain closed until at least Saturday, Dec. 6, according to county officials. They said no further comment would be provided, out of respect for the investigative process and the privacy of the family, friends and colleagues.
