The upcoming coroner’s inquest into the death of Darrell Edward Richards, a worker at American Iron & Metal in Saint John nearly two years ago, has sparked public interest as it seeks to determine the facts surrounding his tragic passing.
Richards, a 60-year-old married father of three, was fatally injured at the west side scrapyard on June 30, 2022, and passed away in the hospital the following day. The inquest, scheduled for June 3-7 at the Saint John courthouse, will see Deputy chief coroner Michael Johnston and a jury hear evidence from witnesses to shed light on the circumstances leading to Richards’s death.
This inquiry comes on the heels of a court case earlier this year where American Iron & Metal pleaded guilty to charges related to workplace safety violations that contributed to Richards’s untimely demise. The company was ordered to pay $107,000 to establish a workplace safety-focused scholarship in Richards’s name at the New Brunswick Community College.
In a separate incident at the Point Lepreau nuclear plant, the company also faced charges and admitted to failing to ensure employee safety, sparking a broader conversation about workplace safety practices.
The upcoming coroner’s inquest serves as a critical step in holding accountable those responsible for ensuring safe working environments and preventing future tragedies like Richards’s death. Stay tuned for updates as the inquiry unfolds and witnesses provide key insights into this solemn event.
