A Down East man died during a road construction project

The death of a Perry man during a local road construction project is being investigated for possible workplace safety violations, according to a law enforcement official.

Jeffrey Stanhope, 55, died on May 20 when a ditch suddenly collapsed as road crews worked to replace a culvert on South Meadow Road, according to the weekly Calais Advertister newspaper .

The incident is being investigated by state officials for possible workplace safety violations, according to Michael Crabtree, chief deputy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office responded to the incident on May 20 but is not investigating what happened, Crabtree said. He declined further comment, referring questions to the Maine Department of Labor.

Jessica Picard, spokesperson for the state agency, declined to comment, saying that it can’t confirm whether it’s investigating any workplace accident due to confidentiality concerns. If an investigation results in a final decision and action, information would be released at that time, she said.

Perry town officials have not responded to requests for comment about Stanhope’s death.

A funeral service for Stanhope was held in Perry on May 25, according to his obituary . Friends and family of Stanhope have been mourning his passing online.

Some relatives have started a fundraising campaign online to help his family.

“Jeff touched many lives and we share your grief,” local residents Kevin and Karen Raye, who own and operate Raye’s Mustard in Eastport, posted online. “You will continue to be in our prayers in the days to come.”