Construction Worker Named in Port of Anchorage Accident

Bulldozer operator, Jack Button, had worked in construction for 35 years.

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By KTVA CBS 11 News

Story Created: Aug 18, 2011 at 10:00 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 18, 2011 at 10:00 PM AKDT

The bulldozer operator killed in Wednesday's Port of Anchorage expansion project has been identified as Jack Button.

Button had 35 years of construction experience and was the foreman and safety officer on the project for contractor West Construction Co., said the company's president in a written statement.

West Construction was hired to excavate gravel already in place at the ports expansion project site, to inspect the steel sheets, and then backfilling the cells. Button was operating the bulldozer yesterday afternoon when the ground collapsed under his machine at the port's north end yesterday afternoon.

He tried to jump off the bulldozer as it fell into the water but he became pinned under debris in the water.

The Anchorage Fire Department dive team attempted to rescue Button, but it was too late. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

West Construction Co. President, Brad West, said in a written statement, "the loss of Jack is a huge blow to this company, which is a close-knit group that has worked diligently to compile a perfect safety record. All 25 of us considered Jack a friend and mentor."

Button is survived by his two sons, former wife and brother-in-law.

West Construction will resume operations at the port tomorrow.

The investigation into Button's death continues.

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Andrew said on Friday, Aug 19 at 5:27 AM

wow I feel bad for his family....

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