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Worker Killed In Backhoe Accident Identified

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A contract worker who died after a backhoe tipped and fell on top of him has been identified.

Jeffrey Allen Tukua, 46, of Hastings was dredging a retention pond on some land at Fort Snelling State Park at 9:30 a.m. when the accident occurred.

According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's report, Tukua died as a result of compression asphyxia – the manner of the death being accidental.

Pat Hogan, a spokesman with the Metropolitan Airport Commission, said it happened during a project through a company called SM Hentges from Jordan, Minn. He said the ponds are used to filter runoff from the airport that can then be removed.

Hogan said the area is very muddy and typically wooden plans are used to stabilize the equipment.

It was Tukua's first day on this project.

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