Manotick Man Dies In Hedge Trimming Accident
For the second time in two months, Manotick is reeling from a tragedy.
On the heels of the death of Beth Bracken when she was struck by a vehicle while crossing Bridge Street on foot, 20-year-old Nick Chenier lost his life Friday, May 5 in a workplace accident.
Chenier was working for Best Green Hedges, a locally-owned family business that does cedar hedge trimming, planting and removal. He was trimming a hedge at a home on Long Island in the village when he hit a hydro line that was hidden in the hedge.
Emergency responders were called to the scene at about 2:30 p.m. to assist a man who had gone into cardiac arrest. Chenier was rushed to Queensway Carleton Hospital in critical, life-threatening condition. He later died from his injuries.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development sent an inspector and an engineer to the scene to investigate.
In a statement sent to CTV Ottawa, Sheldon Best Green, the company’s owner, called the accident a tragedy.
“I don’t think it’s possible to put into words the utter devastation of losing him – we’re a close team, and Nick was like family to all of us,” the statement said. “He always had a smile on his face, and was one of the most joyful and hardworking guys we have ever known.
“Spending time with Nick was everyone’s favourite part of the day, and he will be loved and missed beyond words.”
Terri Campbell, a friend of the family, established a GoFundMe page to help Nick’s mother, Jen, and his younger brother, Michael.
“As you can imagine the pain that Jen, Michael and their family and friends are feeling is beyond words,” Campbell wrote. “It is raw and palpable. They are in shock and pain from this tragic and senseless accident. No parent should ever have to endure their child dying. And no 16-year-old boy should lose his brother and his best friend.
“As we all try to grapple with life’s cruel turn of events for this family many have asked how can they help. I have started this GoFundMe page to help raise money to offset the very unexpected funeral costs, the costs to cover counseling and services they will need to recover from this tragedy, as well as Jen’s lost wages. As you can imagine Jen, a single parent, will need to take time off work to deal with her own shock and grief, to support Michael through his grief and to help navigate this new reality. Jen does not have any benefits through work. If we can help ease the financial burden of this tragedy in any way I know it is greatly appreciated.”
