Family of windfarm worker who froze to death gets six-figure compensation sum
Ronnie Alexander died of hypothermia in 2018
Last updated 23rd Nov 2022
The family of a man who froze to death at a windfarm in Ayrshire has been given a six-figure sum in compensation.
74-year-old Ronnie Alexander died at the Afton windfarm near New Cumnock after getting stranded in severe weather.
The security guard from Kilmarnock got hypothermia after his cabin generator failed leaving him without electricity or heat.
The tragedy happened just months before his 50th wedding anniversary to his wife Mary Alexander.
The family compensation comes exactly one year after employers CSM Facilities and site bosses Farrans Construction were fined £860,000 over failings that led to the death.
Family's response
Mary, 82, said the only positive she can hope for is that construction bosses everywhere make things safer for workers.
She said: “The last few years have been utterly hellish.
“Everything about the loss of Ronnie and life without him has been a heartbreak.
“Now that all the court hearings are finished it would be wrong to say I’m ‘happy’ or ‘better’ – I’m only glad those parts are over and I can focus my full attention on my family.
“Keeping people safe should not be a hassle or an afterthought. It should be priority number one to avoid these very tragedies.
“I’d finally just like to thank everyone who supported us but we now just wish to have our privacy respected as we focus on the future.”
The tragic incident happened on January 21st, 2018, hours after the Met Office issued a yellow "be aware" warning for heavy snow.
An alarm was raised after Ronnie failed to return home from a 12-hour shift and he couldn’t be reached on his mobile.
READ MORE: Companies convicted after Ayrshire windfarm worker froze to death
Police Scotland’s Mountain Rescue Team found the grandfather alive but unresponsive five hours later in deep snow and nearly one mile from the cabin.
It is thought Ronnie left his base in the hope of reaching a second cabin that had power.
He was airlifted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but died later on the folloowing morning.
Ronnie’s daughter Laura Alexander said at the time: “The only saving grace is rescuers found our dad and the hospital kept him alive long enough so he wasn’t alone at the very end and we got to say goodbye.”
Ronnie is survived by his wife, two daughters and three grandsons.
Compensation
Glasgow-based employers CSM Facilities and wind farm bosses Farrans Construction which is based in Belfast were fined a total of £868,000 at Ayr Sheriff Court in November 2021.
The two firms admitted to health and safety breaches that contributed to the fatal accident.
The compensation now paid to the family following an employer’s liability legal action with Digby Brown Solicitors who sought civil damages against the two firms.
Damian White, Partner in Digby Brown’s Ayr office, said: “The heartbreak and trauma felt by the Alexander family is something very few could fully appreciate.
“Throughout the numerous investigations and processes that followed this tragic and avoidable incident they have continued to show and express dignity and strength.
“It should be a given that loved ones come home from their work which is why safety regulations exist – and that is why it is right the two companies were convicted and why it is right they recognise the loss felt by the Alexander family via civil damages.”