‘Heartbreaking’: Jess Patience, 36, killed in devastating Golden Plains wind turbine incident

A fundraiser has been set up to support the family of Jess Patience after he was tragically killed at a wind farm in Golden Plains.

The man who tragically died after he was wind turbine blade at Golden Plains Wind Farm in Rokewood has been identified as 36-year-old Jess Patience. Picture: Supplied

A GoFundMe has been established to help the family of Jess Patience with their “unimaginable loss”, after the 36-year-old construction worker was killed at a Golden Plains wind farm only days ago.

With more than $62,000 raised in two days, the organisers of the fundraiser said the goal was to “honour his memory and support his family during this difficult time”.

Police, paramedics, firefighters, and the SES have rushed to an industrial emergency in Rokewood understood to have involved an injury caused by a wind turbine. Picture: Timothy Cox.

“To help ease the financial burden that comes with such a tragedy, we are organising a fundraising campaign,” they said.

“The funds raised will go directly to funeral expenses and supporting the family. We invite you to join us in celebrating Jess’s life and legacy.”

The vast sum has been raised by more than 300 donors, with some individuals contributing as much as $2000 to the cause.

An ongoing WorkSafe investigation has suggested Mr Patience was struck and killed by a blade that was meant to be lifted up onto a wind turbine, when it became dislodged.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police, paramedics, firefighters, and the SES have rushed to an industrial emergency in Rokewood understood to have involved an injury caused by a wind turbine. Picture: Timothy Cox.

The Australian Workers Union slammed the company responsible for installing the turbines, Vestas Wind Systems, and said the “devastating loss could have been prevented”.

Mr Patience’s death is the 38th fatal workplace incident in Victoria this year.

A spokesperson from Vestas said “the incident occurred while a turbine blade was being stored on the ground and prepared for installation”.

“Emergency services were called immediately to the scene however the Vestas subcontractor tragically passed away,” they said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the individual’s family and will do everything we can to support them and our site personnel during this difficult time.

“Vestas’ focus continues to be ensuring the safety, support and wellbeing of employees and the site.

“Employee support services have been made available at the site and across the entire Australia and New Zealand organisation, along with various meeting to ensure welfare and care.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, and we’re interacting with the individual’s employer, Professional Wind Services, to ensure that we can support the family in any way possible.”

The site remains closed while Victorian Police and WorkSafe Victoria investigations continue.