Accident kills construction worker on Guemes

Leep was working with 5 other construction workers who were attempting to lower a home onto a new foundation when it fell late Saturday afternoon. Guemes Island Fire Chief Mike Stamper said "This is a whole new thing for us. No, we've never seen this accident before here."

The house, located on Southshore Road, was too tall when it was originally built, apparently in violation of area convenants. The homeowner hired a crew to first lower the roof. But, the home was still too tall, so he hired the six-person construction crew that was working on the home Saturday.

As the construction crew was lowering the house onto a new, lower foundation it shifted, trapping Leep between 2 beams. It's believed he died instantly.

Stamper said he talked to the other workers. "The workmen were pretty traumatized." None of was injured and all went home after the accident.

The state Department of Labor & Industries will investigate the accident.