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Turner Valley man killed in Fernie

Turner Valley is mourning the loss of one of its own this week after three men were killed in a workplace incident in Fernie on Tuesday. The B.C.
Turner Valley resident Jason Podloski was one of three men killed in a workplace incident in Fernie, B.C. on Oct. 17.
Turner Valley resident Jason Podloski was one of three men killed in a workplace incident in Fernie, B.C. on Oct. 17.

Turner Valley is mourning the loss of one of its own this week after three men were killed in a workplace incident in Fernie on Tuesday.

The B.C. Coroners Service confirmed Jason Podloski, 46, of Turner Valley, died in what is believed to be an ammonia leak at the Fernie Memorial Arena on Oct. 17. Also killed were Fernie residents Lloyd Smith, 52, a former recreation facilities manager for Okotoks, and Wayne Hornquist, 59.

Podloski was an employee of CIMCO Refrigeration in Calgary and Smith and Hornquist were city employees.

It’s sad news for Turner Valley’s outgoing mayor.

“Every time you lose a community member it’s tragic,” said Kelly Tuck. “For his family it’s just devastating.”

Podloski’s neighbour, Christie Currie, said the father of two moved to Frontenac Avenue last summer.

Currie said though she didn’t know Podloski well, he was friendly and talkative. He would socialize around a fire in his backyard with his friends while jamming on their guitars, she said.

She said she found the news of his death shocking.

“It makes you realize life is short,” she said. “You don’t realize that it can just be that fast. It’s a tragedy that no parent ever wants to deal with.”

The B.C. Coroners Service continues to investigate the circumstances of the deaths to establish the facts and identify possible recommendations to prevent similar incidents. Other investigating agencies include WorkSafeBC, Technical Safety BC, the RCMP and the employer.

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