Eli Kelly: 21-year-old worker remembered as ‘beautiful soul’ after St Ives mine site death

A young tradie who was killed while at work on a mine site in the Goldfields has been remembered as a “beautiful soul” as authorities investigate the circumstances of his death.

Eli Kelly, 21, who was working as a contractor, died onsite at the St Ives gold mine near Kambalda about 2.30pm on Tuesday. It is the second death of a miner at St Ives in 18 months.

The Nightly understands Mr Kelly suffered a crush injury and that, despite desperate efforts at the scene to resuscitate him, he could not be saved.

Mr Kelly’s partner Lydia Higgins broke the heartbreaking news of his death to her friends on social media on Wednesday.

“Fly high my love,” she wrote.

The news prompted an outpouring of grief, including from relative Blake Kelly who said: “I’ll always love you big bro.”

Other tributes described the 21-year-old as a “wonderful human”.

“Sending so much love and strength Lydia, he was truly a beautiful soul,” one person wrote.

“Eli was such a beautiful human and so are you. I love you so much,” another said.

Another offered condolences for the loss of the “wonderful, amazing Eli”.

“Thinking of you, he was such a wonderful human,” the mourner posted.

Earlier on Wednesday, Acting WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North confirmed investigators would travel to the site on Wednesday.

“Every workplace fatality is a tragedy, and I extend my condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time,” she said.

“WorkSafe is unable to provide further details at this time while the investigation is ongoing.”

WA Police confirmed the fatality was being treated as a workplace death and that a report will be prepared for the coroner.

In a statement to The Nightly, Gold Fields acting executive vice-president for Australia, Graeme Ovens said mining operations had ceased.

“It is with deep sadness that Gold Fields confirms that a colleague was fatally injured yesterday at the St Ives mine,” Mr Ovens said.

“The entire Gold Fields community extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of the contractor employee who passed away in the incident.

“This is a tragic loss and we are working with our contractors involved and our site teams to support them through this difficult time.

“All mining operations were suspended immediately following the incident and will resume when the regulator and the Gold Fields team have determined that work can safely recommence.

“Making sure everyone goes home safe and well at the end of each day is our first and most important value and we continue to work towards eliminating serious injuries and fatalities in our business.

“Out of respect for the privacy of those affected by this tragedy, and whilst there are investigations under way, we cannot provide further details.”

Premier Roger Cook said it was “very sad” the young worker had lost his life.

“It’s very sad, and it’s obviously horrible for that miner’s family and our hearts go out to them,” he said.

“WorkSafe will obviously investigate fully to make sure we understand what the issues are in relation to that incident.”

In October 2022, 37-year-old Perth fly-in, fly-out worker Terry Hogan died at the Hamlet underground mine.

Mr Hogan was working as a driller on a vent rise in the gold mine, 80km southeast of Kalgoorlie, after he was caught in a rockfall.

He was performing airleg mining work as a sub-contractor and was not a direct employee.