The Greater Toronto Ball Hockey League (GTBHL) and members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 are mourning the tragic death of 35-year-old Michael Stellato, who was fatally injured in a workplace accident at a construction site in Pickering, Ontario, on Monday, November 2.
Stellato, a longtime Local 793 member who worked for the Crupi Group, was reportedly struck by a reversing dump truck while working at the jobsite. Despite urgent efforts by fellow workers to save his life and the arrival of first responders, he succumbed to his serious injuries.
His death has left colleagues, fellow union members, friends and the Greater Toronto ball hockey community grieving the sudden loss of a respected worker and valued teammate.
In separate tributes, Local 793 and the GTBHL remembered Stellato for his years of service, professional relationships and significant contributions to the sport of ball hockey.
Michael Stellato Killed in Pickering Workplace Accident
According to a statement issued by Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher, Stellato was working for the Crupi Group when the fatal incident occurred on Monday, November 2.
The union said he was struck by a reversing dump truck at the Pickering jobsite. Fellow members immediately attempted to save his life, while emergency responders quickly arrived to provide assistance.
Despite those efforts, Stellato died from his injuries.
The union also reported that the dump truck driver was transported to hospital suffering from shock following the incident.
The tragedy has raised profound concerns among Stellato’s fellow workers, particularly those who had worked alongside him over several years. For members of Local 793, the loss represents not only the death of a colleague but also the loss of a fellow union brother whose presence was valued by many.
Local 793 Mourns the Loss of a 35-Year-Old Member
In its statement, Local 793 described Stellato’s death as a devastating loss for the organization and its membership.
The union acknowledged that many members knew Michael personally and had worked closely with him throughout his career. His death at just 35 years old has left family members, friends and colleagues at the Crupi Group facing an extremely difficult period.
Business Manager Mike Gallagher extended condolences to everyone who knew and loved Stellato, emphasizing the importance of looking after one another during the difficult days ahead.
The union also encouraged members to continue prioritizing workplace safety and supporting their fellow workers as they process the tragedy.
For a close-knit workforce, the sudden loss of a colleague can have an emotional impact that extends well beyond the immediate jobsite. Workers who shared daily responsibilities and experiences with Stellato are now left to remember him while coming to terms with his absence.
Investigation Underway Into Fatal Construction Accident
Following the incident, police and officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development attended the Pickering jobsite.
According to Local 793, independent investigations were underway to establish the cause and circumstances of the fatal workplace incident.
Authorities had not announced a final determination regarding what led to the dump truck striking Stellato. The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the reversing vehicle and the events leading up to the collision.
Local 793 said it would provide additional information to its members as more details became available.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of the serious hazards workers can face in active construction environments, where heavy machinery and moving vehicles require constant attention and careful safety procedures.
Greater Toronto Ball Hockey League Remembers Michael Stellato
Beyond his work with the Crupi Group and membership in Local 793, Stellato was also a familiar and valued figure in the Greater Toronto ball hockey community.
The GTBHL shared its own heartfelt tribute, describing him as a longtime member whose presence on and off the playing floor would be deeply missed by teammates, opponents and people throughout the league.
Over approximately 14 years, Stellato played for numerous teams, including organizations competing at the highest levels of ball hockey.
At the time of his passing, he was playing during the current season for the Toronto Bullets and Metro Orangemen.
His involvement in the sport extended across hundreds of games, making him a recognizable competitor among those who followed and participated in the league.
A Remarkable Ball Hockey Career
The statistics shared by the GTBHL reflect the scale of Stellato’s involvement in the sport.
Over his career, he recorded an impressive 712 points in 599 games, maintaining an average of more than one point per game.
The league also noted that he had never played a game below Tier 4, highlighting the high level of competition in which he consistently participated.
Stellato was remembered as an offensive threat whose ability to contribute to his teams made him an important presence on the floor.
For fellow players, however, his legacy was not limited to statistics. The relationships developed over 14 years of competition created a sporting community in which teammates and opponents became familiar faces and, in many cases, friends.
His sudden death has therefore affected people across multiple teams and generations of players who had the opportunity to share the game with him.
GTBHL to Honour His 600th Game
In a particularly moving gesture, the Greater Toronto Ball Hockey League announced that Stellato would be credited with his 600th career game on Wednesday night at The Hangar.
Although he would no longer be there to reach the milestone in person, the decision was made in honour of his memory and his longstanding contribution to the league.
The recognition offers a meaningful way for the ball hockey community to celebrate his remarkable involvement in the sport.
For those who played alongside him, the milestone represents more than a number. It reflects years of commitment, competition, friendships and countless moments shared on the floor.
The league’s tribute also acknowledged the sadness felt by teammates, opponents and everyone who had come to know Michael throughout his ball hockey career.
A Devastating Loss for Family, Friends and Colleagues
Michael Stellato’s death has brought together two communities that knew him in different but equally meaningful ways.
At work, he was a Local 793 member and employee of the Crupi Group. On the ball hockey floor, he was a familiar competitor who had spent 14 years building relationships and contributing to the sport.
His family and close friends now face the painful task of grieving a loved one whose life ended unexpectedly at the age of 35.
For his colleagues, the loss is a reminder of the personal connections that develop among people who work together. For his teammates, it is the sudden absence of someone who shared their passion for the game.
Both Local 793 and the Greater Toronto Ball Hockey League have expressed their condolences to Stellato’s family, friends and loved ones.
Workplace Support and Condolences
Recognizing the emotional impact of the tragedy, Local 793 also provided information about counselling support available to members through Members Health.
The union directed anyone needing additional assistance to contact its Director of Health and Safety, Brian Alexander, at 416-936-0059 for information about available services.
The message encouraged members to look after themselves and their fellow workers while remembering Michael and supporting those closest to him.
In Loving Memory of Michael Stellato
Michael Stellato will be remembered as a 35-year-old Local 793 member, a valued Crupi Group employee and a dedicated ball hockey player whose career spanned 14 years and 599 recorded games.
His 712 career points, involvement with the Toronto Bullets and Metro Orangemen, and recognition from the GTBHL reflect the lasting place he held within the sport.
But beyond his professional responsibilities and athletic achievements, his loss is being felt by the people who knew him personally: family members, friends, coworkers, teammates and fellow union members.
As investigations into the Pickering workplace accident continue, those who knew Michael are left with memories of the time they shared with him and the contributions he made to their lives.
In loving memory of Michael Stellato. May his family and loved ones find strength during this heartbreaking time. May his fellow Local 793 members, colleagues at the Crupi Group and the entire Greater Toronto Ball Hockey League community find comfort in standing together and remembering a life that meant so much to so many.
Rest in peace, Michael. You will be deeply missed, and your memory will remain with the people whose lives you touched.
