Family of tower fall victim in Japan to seek work-related death recognition

TOKUSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The grieving family of Kazuki Matsuoka, a 19-year-old worker who tragically lost his life after falling from a transmission tower in western Japan, announced on Saturday that they would first pursue official recognition of his death as work-related before contemplating a civil lawsuit. Matsuoka's family intends to meticulously gather information and seek legal counsel before deciding on any potential legal action against Shikoku Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Co., the employer he worked for.

According to police and the company, Matsuoka tragically fell from the transmission tower on the morning of September 9 while performing inspection duties. A note left behind by the young worker revealed his concerns about his workplace environment and personal relationships. On Friday, exactly one month after Matsuoka's fatal fall, his family disclosed a shocking revelation: a senior employee mentioned in his note, who allegedly told him "You should die," had been appointed by the firm to supervise him.

Matsuoka's father, Toru, 49, expressed his frustration during a press conference, saying, "If the person closest to him during his training as a new employee did something like this, I have to question the purpose of such a system." Toru's parents accused the company of failing to provide adequate support for the bereaved family, stating that they are unable to obtain the information they desperately need.