Sterling, Massachusetts – The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that 67-year-old Brian Curtis Derby, a resident of Townsend, Massachusetts, tragically lost his life in a quarry accident on Thursday. The incident occurred at Onyx Corporation’s quarry, located at 17 Stone Crest Way in Sterling.
Derby was operating an excavator when a rock ledge unexpectedly collapsed, burying the equipment. Emergency responders rushed to the scene just before 8:00 a.m. Despite their swift arrival and the use of camera equipment to survey the area, no signs of life were found. Derby was pronounced dead at 8:39 a.m. on Tuesday.
The District 8 Technical Rescue Team, with assistance from several neighboring departments including Barre, Clinton, Leominster, Fitchburg, Gardner, Holden, Sterling, and West Boylston, worked tirelessly for hours to recover Derby’s body. His remains were finally retrieved early Friday morning, after which the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner took over the case.
The news of Derby’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their condolences and support on social media. Powell Stone & Gravel, a company with close ties to the local mining community, shared a heartfelt message: "In yesterday’s tragedy at Onyx Corporation’s quarry, the Powell Stone & Gravel crew would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire Onyx Corp. family of Brian Curtis Derby. During this difficult time, PSG is here to lend a helping hand for a fellow Miner. We are all on the same team, and we are here to support those who need it."
Brian Slack, a friend, also expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thank you Powell Stone & Gravel, you’re always there to help!" Bobby Recco echoed this sentiment, adding, "Thank you, Brian was a great guy and friend!"
The death of Brian Curtis Derby serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those working in the mining and quarrying industry. His passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew him, and the community continues to mourn this significant loss.