Mechanic Dies After Amazon Van Collapsed and Pinned Him: 'Cherished Husband, Father, and Friend'

11/14/2024 04:16 PM

"[He and his wife] just celebrated 16 years of marriage in September," said Roxy Brown, a friend of the family

• Florida police are investigating an incident in which a mechanic, Andrew Tabannah, died after he was working on a delivery vehicle at an Amazon facility on Tuesday, Nov. 12
• Authorities said the death appears to be an accident and no foul play is suspected
• "Andrew was known by all who met him for his boundless generosity and unwavering kindness," according to a GoFundMe set up to help his family with expenses

Authorities said a mechanic died after an Amazon delivery van he was working on at the online retailer's facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla., collapsed, pinning him. 

In a news release shared with PEOPLE on Thursday, Nov. 14, the Port St. Lucie Police Department said that on Tuesday, Nov. 12, around 12:08 a.m. local time, the mechanic, Andrew Tabannah, 42, was working underneath the van that was propped up by a jack stand.

"At some point, the jack stand failed and the van partially fell on Tabannah, pinning him underneath," the police said, per the statement. "Coworkers immediately placed additional jacks under the van, pulled Tabannah out from underneath, and began life saving measures until an ambulance arrived."

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Tabannah was then taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Port St. Lucie Police added that the death appears to be an accident and no foul play is suspected. The department also said that its detectives are handling the investigation and have contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

In an email to PEOPLE on Nov. 14, Maureen Lynch Vogel, a spokesperson with Amazon, wrote that Tabannah was not an Amazon employee, but a contractor who worked for another company. 

"Our thoughts are with Mr. Tabannah's family and friends during this very difficult time," Lynch Vogel said in a statement. "As is standard procedure, we'll work closely with Mr. Tabannah's employer as they investigate this tragic accident and conduct an internal investigation as well."

A GoFundMe was established on behalf of the family of Tabannah, who was described in the fundraiser as a "cherished husband, father, and friend."

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"Andrew was known by all who met him for his boundless generosity and unwavering kindness," read the GoFundMe description. "A man with a truly giving heart, he touched the lives of countless individuals, always ready to lend a hand or offer support when needed."

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"Andrew's dedication to his family was unparalleled," the description continued. "He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife and a loving father to their two wonderful children. His presence brought warmth, laughter, and joy. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him."

Roxy Brown, a friend of Tabannah, shared a similar sentiment during an interview with ABC affiliate WPBF and remembered the mechanic as an amazing father. 

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"He belongs to our church, and all the kids loved him," Brown told the station. "I used to just sit back and just watch him with his son and his daughter and my heart bleeds for them because I know how much they were close with him. And we just want everyone, just pray for the family, pray for his wife. They just celebrated 16 years of marriage in September."

According to Brown, Tabannah was a volunteer for the nonprofit charitable organization that she started called CareBag. 

"What set him apart was when you meet him, 300 pounds of muscle coming at you with a big smile, that New York's Bronx swagger and to some people, he may look intimidating," Brown told WPBF,  "but when he gives you that smile and says, 'How can I help you?' That does it."

PEOPLE contacted the GoFundMe organizer and Tabannah's employer for comment on Nov. 14