Tributes for Aussie man killed in horrendous workplace accident: ‘Taken too early”

As WorkSafe investigates, friends, sporting clubs and a former employer have paid their respects.

A Victorian man killed in a tragic workplace accident earlier this week is being remembered as a “local larrikin” who was “much loved within the community”.

Liam Harrington became “entangled in a machine conveyor belt” on Tuesday morning outside Geelong, according to WorkSafe Victoria. The 34-year-old suffered fatal injuries and died at the worksite on English Road in Lethbridge.

In the wake of his death, several local sporting clubs have spoken out in tribute to the young sportsman.

Liam Harrington in a suit (left) and in a sport club shirt and holding a medal around his neck (right).
Liam Harrington is being remembered as a 'local larrikin' after he was killed in a workplace incident in Lethbridge. Source: Facebook/First National & The Gym Apollo Bay

“The Apollo Bay Football Netball Club is shocked and deeply saddened on the passing of Liam Harrington,” the organisation wrote on Facebook. “Liam was a fabulous clubman, both on and off the field, and a member of our reserves premiership team in 2019.”

The 34-year-old’s old gym also honoured the former member.

“We are very shocked and saddened about the passing of a local larrikin and past gym member, Liam Harrington,” The Gym Apollo Bay said online. “Gone far too young. Condolences to all of Liam’s friends and family at this time.”

The East Belmont Cricket Club has been heralded for its “class act” in naming Liam – who picked up his first Most Valued Player award for the club earlier this month – as its 12th man for Saturday’s Grand Final.

“He’d love this,” one person wrote.

“Very nice touch guys,” another said.

“Thoughts are with you all,” commented someone else.

“My heart,” another simply said.

A rural road and fence of a property on English Road in Lethbridge, just outside Geelong in Victoria.
Liam died at the scene on English Road in Lethbridge, just outside Geelong in Victoria. Source: Google Maps

One of Liam’s former employers also took to Facebook to share their condolences.

"With a heavy heart we learnt the deeply disturbing news that one of our past employees, Liam Harrington, tragically passed away," Gold Plains real estate agent First National said. "[Liam was] much loved within the community and will be sadly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harrington family at this sad time. RIP."

While another friend added online: “Taken far too early, RIP mate.”

WorkSafe Victoria is investigating Liam’s death, which is the fifth workplace fatality in 2023, while police are preparing a report for the coroner.

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