Suncor employee killed at oilsands site

On Jan. 19, Suncor Energy reported an employee had died at its oilsands site in Fort McMurray, Alta.
The Calgary-based energy company said its emergency service personnel were called in earlier in the day after an employee went missing. A search followed and after a few hours, the missing person was located. Tailings operator Jerry Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body was found submerged in a soft area of the sand dump. No other employees were involved.

Suncor, which operates numerous oil sand projects in northern Alberta, said it is working with authorities and will complete a full investigation into the incident.

The RCMP said Cooper's death does not appear to be suspicious.

"We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers. They are certainly in our thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time," said Mark Little, Suncor executive vice president, Upstream.

Suncor's human resources team has initiated grief counselling activities for family and co-workers of the employee. No other employees were involved.

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety is conducting an investigation. Suncor says it is working with the appropriate authorities and will complete a full investigation into the cause of the incident.