Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest speaks of his grief after the death of David Armstrong at FMG mine site

A devastated Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest has spoken of his grief at the death of a 25-year-old mine worker at Fortescue Metals Group’s Solomon hub operation in the Pilbara. David Armstrong, an Indigenous man from the State’s Great Southern region, was part of the iron ore miner’s drill and blast team. He was killed early this morning when the ground between two drill holes collapsed and he fell into a void. The company’s biggest shareholder, founder and chairman, Mr Forrest flew directly to site on hearing the news of Mr Armstrong’s death to grieve with his colleagues. “David was a much-loved FMG worker,” Mr Forrest told The West Australian. “He was just a guy who cared about everyone else, never said a bad word about anyone, was always cheerful and was immensely proud of his family.” Mr Forrest described the incident that claimed Mr Armstrong’s life as a “freakish, freakish unavoidable accident”. “It’s a very prepared site, it’s had 90-tonne drill rigs over it, graders, trucks and for some reason we don’t know of, a small, thin cavity just gave way under the weight of David. And it was in between two drill holes which are only a couple of metres apart, so you can image how freakish it was because the drill holes would have picked up the cavity if they had intersected it.” Mr Forrest said Mr Armstrong had died quickly and there was nothing anyone could do. “Literally the ground opened up under his feet ... in my decades of being involved in this industry, I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “I’m just immensely proud of his teammates, proud of their courage to be vulnerable ... just huge sobbing hugs. “The guy was really dearly loved and I’ve been able to pass on their messages to David’s mum and dad and they’re just all really, really hurting.” It is the fourth death on a Fortescue site since the company was founded in 2003. Before yesterday the most recent was in 2013 when New Zealand-born electrical engineer Kurt Williams, 26, was crushed to death at Christmas Creek. There was an outpouring of grief among Mr Armstrong’s friends and family online yesterday after the news of his death. Mr Armstrong’s brother Coen said his death was a “deep tragedy” for his family. “David was an exceptional human being. Everything he did in life he gave 100 per cent,” Coen Armstrong told The West Australian. “What has occurred is a deep tragedy to our family. “We find comfort knowing that he was the one always taking care of others and the words from his workmates illustrated this for us. “Everyone who’s been touched by Dave knows the kindness his soul shared and we hope everyone finds solace in the fact he lived life to the fullest as we have.” Tameka Kenny posted: “Words can’t describe the loss everyone is sharing right now, you were honestly the most amazing and kindest person.” A heartbroken Bonnie Spence said she would “immensely” miss his “cheeky laugh”. “You are such a genuine down to earth wonderful and caring person,” she said. “I love how you made everyone smile.” Cheyene Ninyette said Mr Armstrong was “one of a kind you” and “one of the happiest blokes” he ever met. “Our line of work is definitely dangerous and it never really crosses my mind about what can really go wrong,” he said. “You didn't deserve this bruz (sic).” Workmate Matt Hibben described Mr Armstrong as “one of a kind”. “Lots of good memories working and having laughs with you,” he said. “Thanks for the good times my brother.” CFMEU State secretary Mick Buchan labelled the workplace death a tragedy. Fortescue said mining operations at Solomon remained suspended “pending a full investigation into the incident”. Safety inspectors from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety were expected to be on site on Thursday night. FMG chief executive Elizabeth Gaines expressed the company’s deepest sympathy to Mr Armstrong’s family, friends and colleagues. “This is a very sad day for Fortescue and all our thoughts are with his family as we provide our full support to them at this very difficult time,” she said. “The wellbeing of the entire Fortescue family is our priority with a range of support services available across our sites, including the Fortescue Chaplains and Employee Assistance Program.” The suspension means thousands of workers across the massive operation have been temporarily ordered to stop work. Yesterday’s incident comes less than two weeks after a scaffolder died after falling at the Sino Iron site 100km south-west of Karratha on September 17. Queensland father Eugene Tata, 52, died from injuries sustained in the fall at China’s CITIC Pacific Mining’s operation where he was working for contractor Karridale Group. Mr Tata started working at the site in March. Paramedics treated him at the site before transferring him to Karratha Health Campus. The Solomon hub is in the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara and comprises the Firetail, Kings Valley and Queens Valley mines. MATES in Construction national helpline – 1300 642 111