Family and neighbors say Russell Tracy died on the first day of his new job.
Tracy fell into a manhole at a construction site on Monday.
He had recently been unemployed and was excited to start his new construction job to support his family.
Tracy leaves behind a wife, Meredith, and 4 children.
Las Vegas-based KTNV also spoke with Meredith, who says she is still comprehending what happened. But she wanted everyone to know what a great man Russell was and that he died taking care of his family.
Friends and neighbors have created a GoFundMe page to support his family.
The incident occurred before noon at the site located at Jonathan Drive and Las Vegas Boulevard, north of St. Rose Parkway.
The Clark County Fire Department reported a sewer line was being installed when the worker fell about 20 feet into the manhole and died as a result. There was only space for one person where he fell.
The incident is being investigated by Las Vegas police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
