Father of two Amarpreet Bhatti fell to death last month

The family of the man killed on Laing O鈥橰ourke鈥檚 Oxford North scheme five weeks ago have paid an emotional tribute to him.

Amarpreet Bhatti, aged 47, from Bilston, Wolverhampton, died at the scene on 4 December after a fall at the project near Wolvercote.

In a statement released through Thames Valley Police, his wife Mandeep said: 鈥淢y husband, Amarpreet, was a loving, caring man and a devoted dad to our two wonderful children, aged 16 and 18.

amarpreet-bhatti

Source: Thames Valley Police

Amarpreet Bhatti died on the site last month

鈥淗e had a heart of gold, was always smiling and going out of his way to help others. He was a dedicated man who touched so many people鈥檚 lives.

鈥淔or him to be taken from us like this is so hard to accept. My whole world was around him, I don鈥檛 know what I鈥檓 going to do without him. It wasn鈥檛 time for him to go.

鈥淗e was a true friend to everyone he knew, such a pure soul he had. We are going to miss him dearly.

鈥淚 know you are still around, as I can feel your presence. Love you loads, your wife, Mandeep, and two children.鈥�

Bhatti was employed by Expanded, part of Laing O鈥橰ourke which is working on phase 1a of the 拢700m scheme and includes the Red Hall, a co-working space for start-ups and so-called because of the colour of its roof, and the first two laboratory buildings. Phase 2 includes three more laboratory buildings.

At the time, Laing O鈥橰ourke said: 鈥淲e are shocked and upset by what has happened and have suspended work on the project. The police and Health and Safety Executive are now on site and we are cooperating with their investigations.

鈥淔or now we are focused on doing all we can to support everyone affected by this tragic incident, including the family of the deceased and our project team.鈥�

Client on the scheme is Oxford North Ventures, the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John鈥檚 College, Canadian investor Cadillac Fairview and developer Stanhope.

Both Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident.

The site remained closed following the death, reopening last Tuesday (2 January).

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