Michael Stellato was only 35 when his life ended in a workplace accident at a construction site in Pickering, Ontario. The longtime construction worker was struck by a reversing dump truck on Monday, November 2, while working for the Crupi Group. Despite desperate attempts by fellow workers to save him and the arrival of emergency responders, Stellato died from his injuries.
The tragedy has left his family, coworkers and fellow union members struggling to come to terms with his sudden death. Stellato was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793, where he had built relationships with colleagues over several years. For those who worked alongside him, his death means losing someone they knew not just as a fellow worker but as a friend and union brother.
According to Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher, Stellato was working at the Pickering jobsite when the reversing dump truck struck him. Fellow union members immediately rushed to help, making efforts to save his life before emergency responders arrived. Unfortunately, his injuries proved too serious, and he could not be saved. The dump truck driver was also taken to a hospital after suffering shock following the incident.
Police and officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development attended the scene. Independent investigations were underway to determine exactly what happened and what led to the fatal incident. Authorities had not announced a final finding about the circumstances surrounding the collision. Local 793 said it would share further information with members as it became available.
Gallagher described the death as a devastating loss for the union, particularly for members who had known and worked closely with Stellato. He also extended condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at the Crupi Group. The union urged members to look after one another during the difficult days ahead and continue taking workplace safety seriously.
Away from the construction site, Stellato had spent approximately 14 years building a name for himself in the Greater Toronto Ball Hockey League. The league remembered him as a longtime player whose involvement in the sport extended across several teams and hundreds of games. At the time of his death, he was playing for the Toronto Bullets and Metro Orangemen.
His playing record tells the story of someone who devoted years to the sport. According to the league’s tribute, Stellato recorded 712 points in 599 games. He also never played below Tier 4, a reflection of the competitive level at which he consistently participated. Over the years, he became a familiar face to players, teammates and opponents throughout the league.
One of the most touching parts of the league’s tribute was its decision to recognize Stellato’s 600th career game. The GTBHL announced that he would be credited with the milestone during a Wednesday-night event at The Hangar. Although he would not be there to celebrate it himself, the recognition was intended to honor his years of commitment to the game.
The union also acknowledged that the emotional impact of his death could be difficult for members. Local 793 provided information about counselling services available through Members Health and directed anyone needing assistance to contact its Director of Health and Safety, Brian Alexander, at 416-936-0059.
For Stellato’s family and friends, his death leaves a painful absence. For his coworkers, it is the loss of someone who shared their daily responsibilities. And for the ball hockey community, it is the loss of a familiar competitor who spent 14 years contributing to the sport.
As investigations continue into the Pickering construction accident, those who knew Michael Stellato are left remembering a 35-year-old worker, teammate and friend whose life ended far too soon.