Construction worker killed in accident

A 52-year-old construction worker was fatally injured in an incident involving an excavator Monday at Kona Village.

The victim, identified Tuesday afternoon by police as Clifford Cox, was operating an ATV at the construction site in Kaupulehu when he apparently maneuvered in front of an excavator in an attempt to get the excavator operator’s attention about 11:40 a.m. Monday, according to police. The excavator subsequently collided with the ATV and ran over the smaller vehicle.

Police said Cox suffered fatal injuries in the incident and died prior to the arrival of Hawaii Fire Department personnel.

The case remains under investigation. Police classified it as an industrial accident. An autopsy was requested.

Cox was an 18-year employee of Goodfellow Brothers, said Edward Brown, Goodfellow Bros. Inc. Hawaii Region president.

“We are devastated by the news that our team member has passed away,” Brown said.

Brown said the company is working with investigators to “understand the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident.”

“We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to our team member’s family, and all who have been affected by this tragic accident,” he said.