The medical examiner has confirmed that a Bronx business owner was killed after a security gate fell on him while he was opening his shop Friday morning.

Alfredo Thiebaud was opening his ice cream shop, Delicioso Coco Helado, at around 5 a.m. After bringing in the garbage cans, police say Thiebaud, 79, collapsed or fell to the ground as he was going inside and the gate came down, crushing him. The medical examiner says he was killed on impact.

Thiebaud started Delicioso Coco Helado in 1978, employing a number of people in the borough, and was recently honored by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for his contributions as a local business owner. His frozen desserts, known as coquitos, have been widely popular across the city for years.

Employees say Thiebaud was known by many for being devoted to those who worked for him and always helping those in need. He leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren.

Thiebaud's family says his funeral will be held on Monday and he will be laid to rest on Tuesday.