Proud Dad Killed in Tragic Accident
Inquest hears how man was found dead next to a forklift truck
Last updated 1st Feb 2023
A proud new dad was killed at a glass recycling centre in a tragic accicent just hours after "cuddling his new baby boy" as he set off for work.
Engineer Daniel Mages, 34, was found dead next to a forklift truck after police were called to the recycling centre, an inquest heard.
Emergency services were called to Fenestration Recycling Company in Neath Abbey, South Wales, where he was declared dead at the scene.
Friends say Daniel became a dad to son Forest less than eight weeks before he was killed.
A tribute to Daniel said he "pulled on his work boots, kissed his partner Hollie goodbye, cuddled his new baby boy Forest, and then left home with his silly wave and headed to work.
"Very shortly after arriving at his job for the day, Daniel was killed in an horrific accident.
"Just 8 short weeks prior to this tragic accident, Dan moved into a new home with Hollie, and 3 days later, Hollie gave birth to their baby boy Forest."
The tribute said: "They were blissfully happy and then, in an instant, their future together was cruelly snatched away.
"As the family and friends of Dan and Hollie, we are all reeling from shock and grief, we are utterly heartbroken and trying, but failing, to understand why this perfect little family has had every dream ripped to pieces in such a terrible way.
"We are grieving for Dan, for Hollie and for their precious little baby who will never get to know his wonderful Dad."
"No one should go to work for the day and not come home, least of all Dan, who was by his own admission, the happiest he’d ever been in his life."
Hollie said: “Look after us all up there my love, we love you forever. Your time here with us wasn’t long enough. Forever wouldn’t be enough. rip my forever”
The inquest heard Mr Mages, of Swansea, was a hydraulics engineer contracted to fix a forklift.
Coroners' officer Shaun Nolan told the Swansea hearing Mr Mages worked for a company that repaired hydraulic machinery and was working on the forklift alone that morning.
Later that day, his body was found on the floor near the forklift he was working on and emergency services were called.
Officers from South Wales Police confirmed there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
A post mortem was carried out on January 26 and the cause and circumstances of his death remain under investigation. The inquest has been adjourned until later this year. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed and an investigation has begun.
Detective Inspector Carl Price said: "Police and other emergency service colleagues were called to Fenestration Recycling Company Ltd in Neath Abbey on Tuesday morning, 24th January, following a report of an incident at the site.
"A 34-year-old man from Swansea was declared deceased at the scene. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed and an investigation has begun. Our thoughts remain with the man’s family, friends and colleagues.”
The site is a recycling centre for window companies to dispose of UPVC window frames and glass.