Father of two dies after falling through open manhole on Ramsgate building site

A father of two died after falling into an open manhole on a Ramsgate building site when he was distracted by a passing road sweeper, an inquest heard. Investigators said David Archer, 36, was working on a sewerage-extension project on a housing estate in Ramsgate, Kent, in November 2023, when he looked up and plummeted into the opening. Firefighters and paramedics attended, but he could not be saved. The coroner described the death as a "really tragic accident," noting that Archer had done nothing wrong, even as the proceedings highlighted safety lapses on the site.

The inquest determined that Archer’s training had lapsed, meaning he should not have been on site for the work. It also found that his employers did not hold the required permit for the project. The findings reinforce persistent concerns about safety compliance in construction, even as projects move forward. The coroner emphasized that although the incident was a tragic accident, the circumstances underscored preventable risks on some worksites.

Rachel, Archer’s partner of nearly two decades, said the loss has changed everything for the family. She is now raising their two children, Jack, 10, and Poppy, six, and has described grief as a rollercoaster. "The anger is there sometimes – I ask why, and acceptance is hard. But we’ve had incredible support from the school, the community, friends and family," she said. She added that life would never be the same, but the children are her motivation to keep going. "They are my drive, 100 percent."

A little over a year after Archer’s death, Rachel founded a charity in his name, the OGGA Foundation BRAVE, which stands for Bereaved and Readjusting to Various Emotions. The organization, launched in March 2024, aims to support bereaved children by providing a safe space, social activities and access to counseling if needed. The group meets on the last Thursday of each month at a local sports club, offering a welcoming environment to foster friendships and emotional well-being. "Starting the foundation has been my healing," she said. "They call it a party, which is exactly what I wanted. The children feel safe, and we can offer counselling if needed. No child should feel alone on this journey." The foundation also seeks to connect families with other services to help them navigate their loss.

Community support has remained strong. Earlier this month, Archer’s sister Nicola and cousin Soraya walked more than 70 miles from Deal to Hastings, camping along the route to raise funds for the foundation. A Deal community fun day in August drew broad support as well. "It was a memory walk as well as a fundraiser," Rachel said. "Each day had a checkpoint dedicated to someone close to them who had passed, and to every child who has lost a parent. It was beautiful and moving."

The incident and ongoing fundraising come as authorities emphasize safety on construction sites. The Health and Safety Executive reported 35 deaths in the construction industry in 2024/25, out of 124 work-related deaths across all sectors. The data show that construction, along with agriculture, forestry and fishing, accounts for a high share of fatalities each year, underscoring the need for robust safety practices, training, and site management to prevent similar tragedies.

Rachel’s advocacy work, along with community fundraising, aims to ensure safer workplaces and more vigilant oversight on major projects while helping families cope with loss. As the family continues to navigate life after David, they emphasize the importance of keeping his memory alive through support for children and other bereaved families. "Jack and Poppy deserve to feel loved and safe – and that’s what keeps me going," Rachel said, underscoring a broader commitment to helping others facing similar grief while honoring David’s memory.