TUCSON, Ariz. — The tragic death of a Tucson HVAC professional has led to some of the most serious fines the Industrial Commission can levy against a business for workplace safety violations.
In July, Dalton Lee was installing an air conditioning unit at Spreading Threads, a non-profit clothing bank that helps foster children.
Lee was a constant supporter of the organization and didn't hesitate to help, according to Spreading Threads Director Michele Wright.
"He's the kind of person you want in your community," she told News 4 Tucson in July.
An investigation from the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) found that Lee was electrocuted while installing the AC unit on the roof after the crane used to lift it touched a live power line.
The crane operator DC Crane LLC was found to have been negligent by being too close to the power lines without having power turned off.
ADOSH also discovered that there was no record of required annual inspections of the crane and the lift used for the AC unit was frayed and cut in several places.
ADOSH presented its findings to the Industrial Commission, which decided to fine DC Crane more than $32,000 and in a very rare move issued an additional $25,000 fine that goes to Lee's family.
For the first time ever, Dalton Lee's mother, father, and sister sat down for an interview with the News 4 Tucson Investigators Chief Investigative Reporter Chorus Nylander.
"It's been very hard, think of him every day, I actually count the days," said Dalton's mother Roxanne Lee.
"I think people are working too much trying to make a buck and don't think about what can happen," said Dalton's father Ronald.
"To know that it was something easily preventable, it hurt a lot," said Dalton's sister Danielle.
Although they were happy to see some accountability, they feel a fine does little to ease their pain.
"Whether there was a fine there or not, I want it to change. I want people to…" said Ronald, who was overcome with emotion and couldn't finish his thought.
"Want people to be safe," Danielle added.
The News 4 Tucson Investigators made multiple attempts to reach the owner of DC Crane, but he did not respond. According to ADOSH, they admitted to investigators they knew the crane was too close to the line.
The Lee family told us they are just trying to forgive and hold no ill will towards the man.
"I don't think Dalton would either," said Danielle.
They firmly believe in their faith that they will one day see Dalton again.
"Goodbye," said Danielle.
"No, later," Roxanne interjected.
"Whenever he left the house, he would never say goodbye. He'd say later, he was never one to say goodbye," Ronald explained.
Dalton leaves behind a wife and three children. Ronald told us that Dalton's eight-year-old son told him that he wanted to try and keep his father's HVAC business going. He is proud of the young boy's strength through so much tragedy.
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