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'Had A Heart Of Gold': Construction Worker Killed In Newton Identified As Russell Harron

NEWTON (CBS) – A construction worker was killed when a concrete wall collapsed in Newton Thursday morning. Federal officials and the district attorney are investigating the accident at a home that was under renovation.

The victim's family is heartbroken, describing Russell Harron as a hardworking man who'd been in construction all his life.

"I loved him so much. He was just, he had a heart of gold," said Stephen Harron, Russell's brother.

Russell Harron
Russell Harron was killed in a construction accident in Newton (Family photo)

There is a mix of disbelief and heartache for the family of the 55-year-old father of three. He was killed when a concrete wall collapsed on top of him at a home on Winchester Street in Newton.

"I got the phone call from someone that he used to work with," Stephen Harron said. "He just told me that Russ was hurt and he passed."

Surveillance cameras from a nearby home show a frantic worker on the run moments after the wall gave way. He grabbed a shovel from a truck and ran back to where the wall collapsed.

By the time firefighters arrived, it was already too late.

Newton wall collapse
A worker was killed when a wall collapsed at a Newton home (WBZ-TV)

"The person under the wall was not viable and it turned into a recovery operation," said Newton Fire Chief Gino Lucchetti.

Stephen Harron said his brother did the work of two people. "He was no slouch," Harron said. "He showed up and gave it 110%."

He said Russell loved the outdoors and riding ATVs, but family was always number one.

Stephen said his brother will be remembered, "As a great son, a great brother and a family man."

Harron was an employee at M. DiStasio Excavation Contractors of North Reading. In a statement, the company's president said Russell was hardworking and diligent.

"Our hearts are broken," said Michael DiStasio. "Russell's family has our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences on this unbearable loss. We are cooperating fully with the authorities in this investigation."

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