THE family of a Leschenault man who was killed while working at the Worsley alumina refinery are devastated at the loss of a "young man gone too soon".
Colin Whitton, 66, died after he fell down an elevator shaft while working at the refinery's powerhouse about 5pm on Monday.
Mr Whitton's family told the Bunbury Mail he was a man who made the most of the life he was given and would be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Tributes poured into the Mail's Facebook page throughout the day yesterday and fellow workers remembered a caring man and mentor.
The Mail understands Mr Whitton had been working for BHP Billiton at the Worsley refinery for 24 years.
At this stage no suspicious circumstances are involved.
The company issued a statement this morning to confirm a full investigation was underway.
"We regret to confirm that an employee working at our refinery was fatally injured in an incident in the powerhouse on September 29," it said.
"We extend our deepest condolences and support to Mr Whitton's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
The inquiry is being continued this week by WorkSafe, the Department of Mines and Petroleum and police.
The site is in its 30th year of operations with celebrations planned for later this year.