'He was the love of my life': Fiancé thanks workers for trying to save plumber’s life

The fiancé of a young plumber killed in a workplace tragedy in Perth has thanked those who tried to save his life.

Ryan Duffus, 26, is being remembered as an expert tradesman who was dedicated to his job.

He became trapped in a concrete trench last Wednesday at a site in Mosman Park, after a water main burst – filling the pit with mud and water.

Another worker jumped in to the water to try to pull him out, before two others also leaped into action.

Workers from nearby shops tried to pass him a pipe to help him breathe, but tragically the man could not be saved.

Friends said the man “loved his girlfriend very much” and the couple “were supposed to grow old together”.

He was also described as a “goofy but a top bloke”, and “genuine and humble”.

His partner, Anita Condron, today thanked those who tried to rescue him, describing him as the love of her life.

The pair were high school sweethearts, originally from New South Wales, where they were planning to return to next year to start a family.

Ms Condron has decided to gift his plumbing tools to the apprentices he was teaching.

His employer Vivian Plumping has also paid tribute, saying they’ve "lost not just a colleague but a good mate".

They’ve started a crowdfunding page to help support his family.

Worksafe is investigating, with the site to remain closed until next week.

Counselling has been offered to the other workers.