64-year-old Rhode Island man went to work and didn’t make it home alive

A Rhode Island man who died while on the job this week is being remembered.

According to the Providence Journal, 64-year-old Robert Leech of North Smithfield fell approximately 10 feet through a basement stairway opening at a job site on 1249 Sherman Farm Road in Burrillville on Thursday. He struck his head on the concrete floor and was found unresponsive by responding officers and fire personnel.

Leech was transported to Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, where he was pronounced dead.

The fall occurred during work on a single-family home under construction, and the matter is being investigated as an accidental death with no foul play suspected. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also involved for a workplace safety review.

According to family members and a GoFundMe fundraiser, Leech was a hardworking man with a big heart who would lighten up a room with his jokes and laughter. Always willing to lend a helping hand.

Services have not yet been announced.