The father of a teenage worker killed by a fall at the Old Post Office redevelopment site in Perth's CBD has published a heartrending public tribute to his memory.
"In memory of Wesley Ballantine (1999 - 2017); my beautiful handsome son taken too soon by God at only 17," Tyrone Leroy wrote online with a picture of his son, apparently with a birthday cupcake at Perth's Rockpool restaurant.
"Wes passed away after he fell 12 metres to his death at work, by the grace of God he showed some mercy, took Wes away quickly without any pain and suffering."
Wesley, a steel fabricator, was working on night shift at 4.30am on Thursday to install a glass ceiling at the redevelopment for fashion retailer H&M; when he fell. He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital by ambulance but could not be saved.
Related Content
"Wesley will forever live in our hearts minds and souls - you may be gone but forever you'll remain in my heart," his father wrote.
"I love you son; I am so proud of you especially your knowledge of astronomy, world politics, economics, and guitar playing - I'm so proud of you.
"Go ahead son and travel to that star we've talked about - may you have a wonderful journey home.
"Mum and dad are proud of you and we will always love you forever - we'll meet again in heaven."
An outpouring of condolences and pictures followed from family and friends for the 'ohana', a Hawaiian word meaning 'family'.
One friend posted the words of E. E. Cummings poem [i carry your heart with me(i carry it in].
Another particularly moving tribute came from a friend, who wrote that he couldn't believe what he heard.
"Thanks for the wicked memories brother, from the good times at Loreto when I first met you to hitting up Swanbourne Beach every day of summer in 2011 to playing rugby for Nedlands together in 2012," he wrote.
"I still remember the day I convinced you to play like it was the other week. There was legit nothing that scared you. You used to take on the biggest blokes on the rugby field even if they were double your size.
"It's safe to say my bro what you lacked in size you made up in heart in all aspects of life.
"Rest easy my bro."
Wesley was employed by contractors for interior construction company Valmont, which has offered full cooperation to WorkSafe investigators.
Valmont and H&M; both published statements of condolence to the family on Thursday.