PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A family is mourning the loss of a man who died last week in a construction accident.

data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that Tennessee is among the states with the highest number of construction-related deaths, with 43 in 2022 alone.

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Kyle Lesko was described as a great guy to be around and a handyman. That’s what his son, Kane, remembers most. The pair were roommates.

“Every time we had a moment to breathe, we were playing pool,” Kane said.

Last Wednesday, however, Kyle didn’t come home from his construction job. Kane said a deputy called him and told him to come to an area hospital.

“He came over and shook my hand and said, ‘I’m sorry son, your dad’s passed away’ and I was a bit devastated,” Kane added. “But I had to stay strong to make sure everyone else was informed.”

Investigators said Kyle had been working on the roof of a home in Baxter when the temporary trusses collapsed.

Kane told News 2 he feels the support of the community and tries to be there for his family as well.

“They’re hanging in there and staying strong, basically doing everything they can to prepare to go (through) the rest of their lives without him,” Kane said.

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His younger sister says she’s not ready to talk on camera, but told News 2 via text that her father is unique. She added that she will continue to share the kindness he has taught her.

“Anytime he could do something for someone, he always did, whether it was helping people locally or building houses for the people on his construction crew,” Kane said.

A celebration of life for Kyle is scheduled for noon Saturday at Life Church in Cookeville.

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