This is the man who died after being hit by a digger at an industrial estate. Tributes have poured in for John Graveson following the tragedy in Tameside on Friday morning (March 3).
John, 42, died after being hit by an excavator vehicle at the Outram Road industrial estate in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester Police said. Officers arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence and manslaughter.
He has since been released under investigation.
READ MORE: Man, 42, dies after being hit by digger as driver arrested
Hundreds of people took to Facebook to pay tribute to avid DJ John, who is understood to have lived in Tameside. He was a father, the Manchester Evening News understands.
Mark McCraken posted: "RIP John Graveson. The man was a legend." He described John as 'fun, bubbly and always laughing and smiling'.
"Our hearts go out to all his family and to [those] who knew him," Mr McCraken added.
Kevin Burgess wrote: "Another brother taken far too soon." Ryan Blacklock posted: "Rest easy big man. Until we meet again... LEGEND."
Lisa Hogson said: "RIP John Graveson. Have some great memories." Carl Hill posted: "Such a top fella." Nephi Ashton said: "Gutted to hear of the passing of big John Graveson. Top fella and great guy, RIP pal."
John was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The incident has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The unit was taped off by police for a number of hours on Friday as forensic specialists descended on the scene.
Officers remained at the scene on Saturday morning.
In a statement, GMP said: "On Friday 3 March 2023 at around 10.50am, officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare of a man on an industrial estate on Outram Road, Dukinfield.
"Emergency service attended the scene, and a 42-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Initial enquiries suggest that the male victim was working onsite at an industrial estate when a excavator vehicle collided with the victim. When emergency services arrived at the scene the man was sadly pronounced deceased.
"A 33 year old man - the driver of the vehicle - was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence and manslaughter and was taken to custody for further questioning and subsequently released under investigation.
"An investigation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident."
A spokesperson for HSE said it was aware of the incident and has launched an investigation.
In a statement, the firm involved said: "We are all devastated that the accident on Friday 3 March has claimed the life of our friend and colleague John Graveson.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends. John was always hard-working and enthusiastic in everything he did. He was a ray of sunshine with a heart of gold. He will be sorely missed by us all.
"The police and HSE are now investigating what happened and we are fully committed to helping them in any way that we can."
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