Emergency responders have successfully located and retrieved the body of a man from Prince Edward Island who tragically lost his life in a workplace incident at an oilsands mine near Fort McMurray, Alberta in January.
The individual, identified as Kenneth Joseph MacAulay, 66, was operating heavy equipment at Suncor Energy’s Fort Hills site on January 13, 2026 when the machinery became submerged in the muskeg. His family has confirmed his identity to CBC News.
Following the recovery efforts, MacAulay’s family was informed that his body had been found. Suncor Energy, however, did not specify the exact timing of the recovery. Tara Weber, a spokesperson for Suncor, emphasized the complexity of the recovery process and expressed condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues.
In a statement to CBC News, MacAulay’s wife and stepdaughters praised him as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a valued member of the Alcoholics Anonymous community. They expressed gratitude to the emergency responders for their dedication and stated that the recovery would help bring closure to those mourning his loss.
The family expressed profound sadness over the loss of MacAulay but also acknowledged the support and efforts of everyone involved in the recovery process. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, with initial indications suggesting a potential medical factor. No charges have been filed in connection with the incident.
Tragic incidents have previously occurred at the Fort Hills site, including the 2019 death of Jonathan Murphy, who was struck by a vehicle, and the 2020 fatalities of two workers involved in a collision with a bulldozer.