DEATH AT THE TIP: WIDOW'S ANGUISH
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by Lyndsey Rawle
THE WIDOW of a council worker killed in an accident at a Wakefield tip has spoken of her heartache as she awaits an investigation into her husband s tragic death.
Lillian Sharp s husband Paul died at the busy waste disposal site on Denby Dale Road on Monday after he was trapped under a three-ton skip filled with cardboard.
The Health and Safety Executive and police are investigating.
Lillian, his wife of 15 years, said: "When the policeman came to inform me it was like somebody had hit me with a hammer.
"It is just so unbelievable.
"It seems so hard because his dad died on Christmas Eve last year, ten weeks later he lost his brother Herbert and now Paul is dead."
Mr Sharp, 42, of Beech Tree Road, Purston, near Featherstone, was unloading the skip with two other men at the council-owned waste depot when it slipped from the vehicle used to move it and fell backwards on to him.
The other two men were unhurt.
Mrs Sharp said: "He is so sadly missed. He was taken away at the prime of his life.
"I m just hoping that we will get to the bottom of things and I am taking one day at a time.
"The council told me he was the best worker they had and it will take a good man to take his place. He was always there to help other people out.
"When I look at his car sitting there on the drive I am reminded of him."
Paramedics battled to save Mr Sharp s life but he was declared dead at the scene and the site remained closed for two days after the accident.
Celia White, Wakefield Council chief officer for public services, said: "This is a tragic accident and we have lost a valued colleague who has worked for the authority for 13 years. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with the family at this very sad time."
The funeral takes place on Tuesday at St Thomas s Church, Purston, followed by a service at Pontefract Crematorium.
The Denby Dale Road tip is visited by more than 300 cars a day.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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