Tributes paid to ‘hard-working’ Albanian who died after being crushed by a bin lorry in Northampton town centre

Thirty-year-old Sajmir Beca was injured while in a commercial bin collected by a lorry in Wellington Street at around 3am on October 31. He was taken to University Hospital Coventry, where he died on November 6.

At a short hearing at The Guildhall in Northampton on November 19, senior coroner Anne Pember confirmed the medical cause of death as multiple organ failure due to crush injuries to the pelvis and lower limbs. A full inquest is scheduled for April 29.

His body has been returned to his family, and a funeral has since taken place. He is survived by his parents and a brother.

Speaking to the Chron, Sajmir’s friend paid tribute to him.

Paying tribute, the woman said: “We are really sorry and we want him to be remembered the way how he was, not for the way how he died. He was a great person, a very hardworking guy. I’m feeling so sad.”

She added: “We need to make the rubbish people that they work with the rubbish aware to check the bins because this tragedy happens.”

In a video being circulated on social media – which the Chronicle has seen but chosen not to publish – Mr Beca can be seen in the back of a bin lorry.

Northamptonshire Police said: “There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and we have prepared a report for the coroner. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Veolia, which manages commercial bins in the town, said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident. A spokesperson said: “Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the loved ones of the person who has passed away. Our driver acted quickly at the scene and we will continue to support them. We have fully cooperated with the police during their investigation. Sadly, in the winter months we see an increase in the number of people taking shelter in bins. We will continue to work with colleagues and clients to raise awareness of this.”

Editor’s note: This article has been amended to remove a reference to Mr Beca ‘sleeping’ in the commercial bin. In the initial coverage of the death of Mr Beca in Northampton, the Chronicle & Echo reported that Mr Beca was homeless. This was based on information available at the time. Following an approach to the newspaper that this was not the case, all references were removed from our articles. We have been asked to make clear that Mr Beca was not homeless and had a permanent residence and a strong, supportive family network. We are happy to make this clarification and apologise for any upset caused.