Weekly Toll

Employee Stabbed to Death

September 28, MOUNT PLEASANT, SC - 20 year old David "DJ" Moultrie was stabbed to death outside the Walmart store he was working at. Moultrie and another man got into a verbal confrontation in the parking lot of the store and for an unknown reason the man pulled a sharp object and stabbed Moultrie. The assailant has been arrested.


Sheriff Deputy Suffers Heart Attack on Call

September 28, BISMARK, ND - 39 year old Bryan Sleeper, a Burleigh County Sheriff deputy, collapsed and died of a heart attack while on a call. Sleeper was helping another officer arrest a suspect for multiple charges when he began to feel distress and collapsed. The medical examiner determined Sleeper died of a heart attack.


Farm Equipment Causes Farmer's Death

September 27, MARTINSBURG, WV - 55 year old Terrance J. Stemple died Tuesday in an incident with his farm tractor. According to police, Stemple was attempting to pull a large log out of some brush with a pulley system when the front end of his tractor went up, causing it to turn over on him, killing him instantly.


Farmer Killed When Tractor Flips

September 27, HULL, IA - 81 year old Leroy Dykstra died after his farm tractor flipped over on top of him. Dykstra was using the tractor to pull a large tree up a hill when the tractor flipped.


Restaurant Owner Found Dead

September 27, IPSWICH, MA - 62 year old Shui Keung Woo of Quincy, owner of Majestic Dragon Chinese restaurant, was found dead near the kitchen Tuesday morning. Authorities have not determined the manner of Woo's death but they are investigating the death as a homicide. Woo, known as "Tony" was a well known and loved fixture in the neighborhood.



Two Co-Workers Found Dead

September 27, KENNEBUNKPORT, ME - 70 year old Richard Kemp of Monmouth and 58 year old Winfield Studley of Windsor were found dead inside a hotel's sewage tank Tuesday. Both men, employees for Stevens Electric & Pump were servicing a pump at the hotel next to another company's employee who was pumping out the sewage tank. That person left with a load of sewage and when he returned Kemp and Studley were not there. They were reported missing and as the tank pumping resumed, the men's bodies were discovered inside. It is unclear how or why they came to fall into the tank. UPDATE: More information has been released as to cause of death for these workers.


Elementary School Teacher Found Dead in Classroom

September 26, EAST MOLINE, IL - 25 year old Sarah E. Knight was found dead inside her classroom at Hillcrest Elementary Monday night. She was found unresponsive by a night custodian. Knight taught a bilingual kindergarten class. Police say it is unclear how Knight died, but do not suspect foul play.


Camp Worker Dies in Fall

September 26, OAKHURST, CA - 23 year old Nadyne Qirreh of Vacaville died after she fell 30' while working at Calvin Crest Camp in Oakhurst. Erica Stuart, Madera County Sheriff's Dept. said, "She was gathering ropes from the climbing rock wall and apparently, on the platform is what's called a door hatch. It should've been closed but for whatever reason it was open and she fell through." Qirreh had taken 3 weeks of OSHA training before taking the job. Cal-OSHA is investigating.


Worker Stabbed to Death At Restaurant

September 26, PENSACOLA, FL - 19 year old Tyler John Hinkle was killed in the parking lot of the Domino's Pizza restaurant on Navy Blvd. after returning from delivering a pizza. Hinkle had been stabbed by an unknown assailant in a dark lot behind the store. He managed to get inside the store and give a brief description of the person who stabbed him before he collapsed.


Worker Dies in Oil Field Incident

September 26, VENTURA, CA - 34 year old Oscar Zamudio of Bakersfield died in an industrial incident in an oil field near Ventura on Monday. Zamudio was pinned between an oil rig and a large metal beam after he climbed up to help two co-workers who were removing a large hinge pin while erecting a new oil drilling rig and the beam collapsed. Cal-OSHA is investigating the incident.


Bulldozer Rollover Kills Well Known Creator

September 26, ST.LOUIS, MO - 61 year old Bob Cassilly, founder of City Museum, was found dead inside his bulldozer Monday morning. According to authorities, the bulldozer Cassilly was driving had slid off a rocky hill and flipped several times before landing upright. Cassilly was working on Cementland, his newest playground at the old Missouri Portland Cement Co., at Riverview Drive and Scranton Avenue.


Store Clerk Dies in Armed Robbery

September 25, CAPE CORAL, FL - 29 year old Muhammad Ali died of injuries he received in an armed robbery. Ali was working at Back Bay Market when two individuals wearing masks encountered Ali in the store. Authorities are not saying how Ali died.


Firefighter Dies After Training Exercise

September 25, LANCASTER, PA - 38 year old Keith Rankin collapsed after a training exercise Sunday. Other firefighters jumped in to help Rankin but they were not able to revive him. Rankin had been running the "live burn" drill at the Lancaster County Fire School on Village Road. He was talking with some firefighters when he collapsed. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.



Worker Dies of Gunshot Wounds

September 25, HEBRON, IN - 24 year old Michael Pasternak Jr. of Gary died of gunshot wounds he received while mowing at a residential home in Hebron. Pasternak, owner of Budget Lawn Care, was working with his father at the residence when shots rang out from a wooded area nearby. Police are searching for the person(s) responsible.


Worker Dies of Fall Down Elevator Shaft

September 23, MANHATTAN, NY - 44 year old Robert Melito fell to his death down an elevator shaft in an office building in Manhattan Friday. Police say Melito was servicing an elevator on the 10th floor when he fell. A full investigation is underway.


Experienced Logger Dies in Accident

September 23, TEHACHAPI, CA - 51 year old Jennings "Billy" Bennett of Onyx was killed in a logging accident Friday on the Tehachapi Mountain. Bennett, employed by Witten Logging Co, was killed when a felled tree that became caught in another tree dislodged and fell. It fell onto Bennett while he was cutting another tree.


Worker at Farm Dealership Crushed Under Equipment

September 21, POLK, WI - 21 year old Jacob Eickstedt of Jackson was crushed when a large piece of equipment fell onto him. According to police, Eickstedt was trying to repair a forage harvester at Mid-State Equipment on Wednesday morning when an attachment dropped down and trapped him underneath. He was airlifted to a local hospital where he died.


Worker Crushed to Death

September 21, PINCKNEYVILLE, IL - 21 year old Keven Cibrowski of Trenton was killed while working to build a grain bin near Pinckneyville. Authorities say Cibrowski was crushed by a piece of a tower that fell on him during the construction project. No other details have been released.


Tree Trimmer Dies in Fall

September 21, LANSING, MI - 49 year old Ronn Mason died after falling from a tree he was working in Wednesday. Mason, owner of A-1 Tree & Landscape Service, was working to remove a tree at a private residence when he fell.


Man Dies in Farm Related Incident

September 21, PALMYRA, MO - 62 year old Gary W. Bradney died after being run over by a farm tractor trailer. The sheriff's office says that Bradney was working underneath the trailer full of corn when someone began driving it to a local repair shop. The trailer rolled over Bradney, killing him.


Tractor Trailer Driver Dies in Crash

September 19, GLASGOW, KY - 55 year old Samuel Deets of Cochranton, PA died as the result of a crash of his Peterbilt semi in Butler County. KY Troopers say he lost control of the semi after coming over a hill. The truck overturned and skidded, landing across lanes of the highway.


Worker Dies in Construction Incident

September 17, WILLS CREEK, WV - 66 year old Roger Eugene Shafer of Buford, GA died of unknown injuries on a construction site in Wills Creek. Details of the manner or cause of his death are not known.


Construction Worker Crushed Under Wall

September 17, PRAIRIE COLLEGE, TX - Sean Taylor of College Station was killed in a construction incident Saturday. Taylor was part of a crew erecting walls with the help of a crane. One panel was knocked into another which caused it to fall. Taylor tried to run out of the way but He was unable to get fully out of the way and fell on him, killing him instantly according to police.











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Road Worker Struck by Impaired Driver Dies

September 22, FAYETTEVILLE, AR - 57 year old Jackie Luper, a city road worker, died after he was struck by an intoxicated driver in a construction zone. The incident happened Wednesday but he died of his injuries Thursday. The driver has been arrested for his death.


Dump Truck Rollover Kills Driver

September 21, PALMERTON, PA - 49 year old Victor Bortz of Slatington died when the dump truck he was driving overturned and he was ejected. Bortz was working on a ski slope area at Blue Mountain Ski Area when the oversized truck rolled and he was ejected. Bortz worked for Livengood Excavating and Paving.


Man Dies When Zip Line Tower Collapses

September 21, BIG ISLAND, HI - 36 year old Teddy Callaway of Maui died after falling from a zip line tower that collapsed. Another worker from Ohio remains in critical condition. Both men were working for the Maui based company Experiential Resources Incorporated, or ERi, at the time of the collapse.


Tractor Trailer Driver Dies in Collision

September 21, BRIGHAM CITY, UT - 64 year old Derrel Ray Leach of Hyrum died after he failed to slow down in time and struck the back of another semi. Traffic on I-15 near Brigham City had slowed to a stop due to another accident, when Leach slammed into the back of the other rigs. He died at the scene.


Worker Found Shot to Death Inside Shop

September 21, BAKERSFIELD, CA - 42 year old George Sulaiman was found shot to death inside the Havana Smoke Shop. Police say the shop appears to have been ransacked and possibly robbed. Sulaiman was found after customers noticed the shop doors locked before closing hours and called the owner.


Elevator Car Crushes Employee

September 21, BIRMINGHAM, AL - 54 year old Terry Crow of Remlap, an employee for Otis Elevator Co., died while working inside an elevator shaft at Brookwood Medical Center. Authorities say Crow was standing on top of an elevator car in a shaft when a second one came down and struck him in the head.


Plant Incident Claims Workers Life

September 21, CALHOUN, GA - 42 year old Dennis Wayne Jones died at a carpet backing plant on Tuesday. Jones was working with a carpet backing roller at Barrier-Bac when his arm got caught in the roll and he was pulled into the machinery. He was pronounced dead at the scene. OSHA is investigating.


Tractor Trailer Collision Causes Explosion

September 20, WHEELER, TX - 37 year old Chad Landrum of Pampa died in a fiery tanker explosion Tuesday. According to police, another tanker truck pulled out in front of Landrum's truck. After clipping the other semi, which jack-knifed, causing Landrum's truck to run off the road, overturn and explode.


Fruit Stand Owner Killed by Erratic Driver

September 20, JACKSONVILLE, FL - 54 year old Julia Baltierra died and her husband critically injured when they were struck by a car that tore through their Smokey's Produce fruit stand Tuesday. Mrs. Baltierra was trapped under the car until be rescued although she later died at the hospital. The driver of the car ran a red light, left the road and ran into the stand.


Oil Field Incident Kills Worker

September 20, WHITE'S CITY, NM - 53 year old John Henry of Hobbs was killed after he was crushed by a piece of oilfield equipment near White's City. Investigators said Henry was crushed when a piece of oil field equipment he was standing near fell over, striking him. An investigation is being conducted.


Another Oil Field Fatality in Texas

September 20, BARSTOW, TX - 21 year old Isac Abel Hernandez of Monahans was killed as he worked with a crew on piece of equipment. Authorities said a vapor recovery unit tower, about two stories tall and 3 feet in diameter, tipped and fell on Hernandez as roustabouts were attaching the tower to the base. Workers fled the falling tower but Hernandez was struck in the head and died later at an area hospital. Hernandez was an employee of Wayne's Welding and the well is owned by Anadarko.


State Trooper Dies in Fiery Crash

September 20, INDIANOLA, IA - Iowa State Patrol Trooper Mark Toney died when his patrol car went off the roadway, flipped and burst into flames Tuesday. Investigators say Toney was heading north on Highway 65 near Indianola with emergency lights on when he lost control. Firefighters extinguished the flames and said Toney died at the scene.


Man Dies of Electric Shock

September 20, LOS ANGELES, CA - 33 year old Duane Pfannkuch died Tuesday after he was shocked in a mechanical room while doing electrical work associated with the renovation of Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport. Pfannkuch was an employee with Morrow Meadows Corp., a subcontractor for Hensel Phelps Construction Co., which was hired by Alaska Airlines to complete the terminal renovation.


Business Owner Finds Employee Dead in Restaurant

September 20, RICHMOND, CA - 30 year old Jensy Romero of San Pablo was found dead by her boss inside a bathroom of Angie's Bakery & Restaurant. The owner left Romero at the restaurant with a few patrons to run errands. When he returned he found the restaurant locked up and empty. As he searched for her, he found Romero inside the bathroom.


Worker Electrocuted in Industrial Incident

September 19, WOODLAND, WA - 42 year old Curtis Roderick was electrocuted Monday in an industrial incident. Roderick was power washing a silo from a high lift machine in Woodland and authorities believe Roderick himself or some object touched a nearby power line and was electrocuted.


Worker Suffers Fatal Head Injuries When Lift Knocked Over

September 19, QUEENS, NY - 44 year old Cesar Cepedes of Hempstead, Long Island died of head trauma after the lift he was working on was knocked over by an MTA bus in Jamaica, Queens. Cepedes, a construction worker, was rushed to a local hospital where he died.


Fall From Bridge Kills Railroad Worker

September 19, HAVRE DE GRACE, MD - 58 year old Bernard T. Burrows of Stanton, DE died after falling 90 feet from the railroad bridge onto Garrett Island. Burrows, a CSX employee, was working on the tracks when he fell. CSX police are handling the investigation.


Construction Worker Suffers Fatal Crushing Injuries

September 19, COLWELL, IA - 60 year old Dennis Knecht of Charles City died of crushing injuries when he was trapped under a skid loader. No details of cause or employer is listed. He died later at a local hospital.


Semi Driver Dies in Fiery Crash

September 19, ROCHESTER, MN - 25 year old Benjamin Heim died Monday after his rig careened off the roadway. Heim was south bound when his semi plunged down an embankment, careened across the frontage road and then crashed through a building. The truck then collided with several trees before bursting into flames on railroad tracks behind the building. Heim died at the scene.


Worker Dies After Ladder Hits Electric Wires

September 19, SALTSBURGM, PA - 22 year old Adylbek Murataliev of the village of Issyk-Atabirgik in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia suffered fatal electric shock in Saltsburg Monday. Murataliev and other crew members were installing a new roof on a church in Saltsburg when his ladder came into contact with a high voltage power line. Two other crew members are hospitalized.


Farmer Crushed Under Equipment

September 18, POWELL BUTTE, OR - 52 year old Michael Rachor suffered fatal crushing injuries while attempting to fix an mechanical issue with a piece of equipment. Rachor was operating a hay baler when a mechanism on the machine malfunctioned. He crawled under the machine to fix it when it collapsed on top of him.


Driver Kills Firefighter Directing Traffic

September 18, SHELBY, IA - 41 year old Michael Collins of Minden was directing traffic around an accident site on I-80 when he was struck and killed by a motorist. Collins was a volunteer firefighter for Shelby Fire Department. Police say Collins was trying to keep one lane closed while the other was slow moving. The driver came up over a hill before striking Collins.


Trench Collapse Causes Workers Death

September 18, VENTURA COUNTY, CA - 48 year old Antonio Mejia of Canoga Park died after a trench he was working in collapsed onto him. Mejia was working in a trench for a retaining wall for a private residence when it collapsed. Cal-OSHA is investigating.


Man Dead From Industrial Incident at Power Plant

September 18, HAYSVILLE, WV - 63 year old Ned Johnson of Rivesville died Sunday after an incident at First Energy/Mon Power's Harrision Power Plant. Johnson, who worked at the plant as a bulk material operating technician for 25 years, died when he was crushed between two pieces of equipment in the coal processing area of the plant. OSHA is investigating the incident.


Air Show Crash Kills Pilot

September 17, MARTINSBURG, WV - 54 year old John "Flash" Mangan of Concord, NC died when the post WWII plane he was flying at the Thunder Over Blue Ridge air Show crashed into a runway. An investigation is being conducted to determine what caused the plane to crash. Mangan was a member of the T-28 Warbird Aerobatic Formation Demonstration Team called the Trojan Horseman. He was also an Air Force Veteran.


Police Officer Stabbed to Death

September 16, NEW CASTLE, DE - 44 year old Joe Szczerba, an 18 year veteran for the New Castle Police Department, was stabbed to death by a suspect he was attempting to take into custody for disorderly conduct. The suspect is in jail.



Worker Dies in Trench Collapse

September 16, LAKEWOOD, CO - an unidentified man died and another injured when a trench they were working in collapsed on them. The man was said to be Hispanic and in his 40's. The one man died at the scene. A van marked with Distinctive Landscaping, Design Installation and Management was at the scene but it is unclear if the man worked for them. UPDATE: Authorities have identified the victim as Jose Hernandez Cortez.


Worker Dies in Industrial Incident

September 16, PLAINVIEW, TX - 33 year old Anthony Quintero died Friday of unknown injuries at the Hi-Plains Millwright business. He was taken to an area hospital where he died of those injuries. OSHA is investigating.


Pilot in Air Race Dies in Crash

September 16, RENO, NV - 74 year old Jimmy Leeward, of Ocala, Fl was an experienced Hollywood stunt pilot flying at the Reno Air Races Friday. For an unknown reason he lost control and the plane crashed into one of the box seat sections of the spectators. Some of the spectators died when the plane hit the ground. According to other reports the pilot was able to steer the plane away from the main grand stands before it crashed and many are calling Leeward a hero for that. Leeward was owner of the Leeward Air Ranch Racing Team.


Taxi Driver Shot and Killed by Passenger

September 16, COLUMBIA, SC - 47 year old Daniel Admassu was gunned down by a passenger who shot him before turning the gun on himself. It is unclear what the motive for the slaying was. Family says that Admassu worked for the same cab company for 5 years.


Company CEO Killed by Employee

September 16, FORT WASHINGTON, MD - 45 year old Graham Edmonson Hayes II of Upper Marlboro was shot to death by an employee who then turned the gun on himself. Hayes, CEO for DOC Adhesive Products, LLC had allowed the gunman to live in a trailer on the property. Authorities have no motive for the shooting.


Deputy Dies in Car Crash Responding to Call

September 15, UNION COUNTY, GA - Deputy Derrick Whittle died Thursday when he lost control of his patrol car and crashed into a tree. He was responding to a domestic dispute call involving a weapon when the incident occurred. He died after being airlifted to a hospital.


Worker Who Died Remains Unidentified

September 15, BELLTOWN, WA - an unidentified man in his 40's died while working on a building demolition construction site Thursday. After much searching, his identity is unknown but it was reported that he worked for LVI Services out of New York. According to a Dept. of Labor spokesman, the man suffered fatal neck injuries as he was operating a Bobcat loader to push debris down a chute. It appears he drove into debris and hit a piece of rebar.


Tractor Trailer Crash Kills Driver

September 14, LIVINGSTON, AL - 52 year old Timothy James Cruz of East Carbon, UT was killed when he lost control of his Volvo semi and crashed into a stand of trees. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.


Tow Truck Drivers Struck and Killed

September 13, GRINNELL, IA - 29 year old Jesse Inman of Ankeny and 60 year old Daniel Walsh of Des Moines died Tuesday while trying to help a stranded semi driver on I-80 near Grinnell. During their work, another truck drove up and side-swiped one of the tow trucks when then slammed into the disabled semi. Both men worked for Hanifen Towing of Des Moines. From other reports, the other driver and semi driver were also killed.


Offshore Oil Rig Incident Claims Lives

September 9, NEW IBERIA, LA - Sometimes in my search for workers I do not find straightforward articles with clear information. Today I came across this one and list the names as stated in this article and linked obituary. Thirty-two year old Craig Joseph Myers and Nicholas Reed, both of New Iberia, died attempting to flee a tropical storm. Both men were on the Trinity II liftboat when it was engulfed in Tropical Storm Nate.











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Two Firefighters Killed in Coal Bin Explosion

September 15, SUNSET COLONY, SD - 20 year old Jacob Waldner and 22 year old William Waldner, cousins and volunteer firefighters, died in an explosion while battling a coal bin fire. Both Waldner cousins had gone on top of a structure to attack a coal bin fire below when an explosion destroyed the top and south wall of the building and sent the two firefighters into the air. Another firefighter was injured in the blast, the father of one of the cousins.


Worker Killed as Lightning Strikes at Construction Site

September 15, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - 40 year old Bryan Bradley of Linwood died Thursday on the Revel casino construction site in Atlantic City. Bradley, a concrete finisher, and two other workers were struck when a bolt of lightning hit a basket used to carry concrete, which was right next to them. The men were transported to an area hospital where Bradley later died of his injuries.


School Crossing Guard Struck, Killed by Truck

September 15, ANKEY, IA - 78 year old Frank Luttrell died Thursday after he was struck by a truck while in a cross walk with his sign on display. He was waiting for a green light so he could escort elementary school children across the street. The driver of the truck ran the red light and hit Luttrell who had stepped off the curb at the green light.



Driver Dies in Fiery Tanker Crash

September 15, HELPER, UT - 51 year old Bryan Ames died after his truck, hauling flammable liquids, rolled down an embankment and burst into flames. According to police, Ames was driving around a curve when the truck tipped over and rolled down the embankment just shy of a creek.


Dump Truck Driver Killed in Crash With Semi

September 15, MONSON, ME - 37 year old Travis Butler of St. Albans died when his dump truck was struck by a semi that had jack-knifed on a sharp curve. Police say the trailer on the semi tipped sideways and collided with Butler's truck, crushing the cab. Butler died later at a local hospital.


Car Barrels Into Trash Collectors, Killing One

September 15, COCOA, FL - 55 year old Kenneth Dimon was killed and another worker was injured when a car slammed into their truck. Dimon and his partner, employees for Waste Management, were picking up sticks and trash along a roadway in Canaveral Groves. Their truck had its caution lights flashing and were standing behind the truck when the driver drove right into it, crushing and pinning Dimon between the truck and car.


Night Club Worker Shot and Killed

September 15, COLUMBUS, OH - 41 year old Anthony J. Minnifield was shot and killed at Mitch's Night Club while he was cleaning the bar. According to police responding to a disturbance call, someone fired shots through the front door of the club, hitting Minnifield several times.


Oil Rig Explosion Kills Two

September 14, WILLISTON, ND - 21 year old Brendan Wegner of Montello, WI died Wednesday and Ray Hardy of Mohall, ND died Thursday after an explosion and fire Wednesday at a newly drilled oil well in western North Dakota. Two other workers are in critical condition due to burns. The men were working at a workover rig owned by Carson Well Services. The well is owned by Houston based Oasis Petroleum. It is unclear what cause the explosion and fire that killed Wegner and Hardy.


Officer Struck While on Routine Stop

September 14, HONOLULU, HI - 54 year old Officer Eric Fontes was struck and killed Wednesday during a routine traffic stop. Fontes stopped to back up other officers and was standing on a grassy median when a young driver struck a concrete barrier and then Fontes before slamming into the other vehicles.


Road Construction Worker Killed by Truck

September 14, OLD SAYBROOK, CT - 54 year old Dale Persan of Kensington was killed when he was struck and pinned under a dump truck. Persan, an employee for Costello Industries, was working on a freeway paving project when the dump truck carrying ground up asphalt struck him. Persan was pinned under the truck until rescue personnel arrived.


Worker on Home Construction Dies

September 14, KOKOMO, IN - 65 year old Roger Holcomb was found unresponsive at the site of a private home where he was hired to work for the homeowner. A neighbor noticing the noise of construction had stopped looked outside and saw Holcomb laying on the ground. No cause of death has been released.


Cable Technician Electrocuted

September 14, BROOKLYN, NY - 37 year old Douglas LaLima, a Verizon cable tech, was electrocuted Wednesday while working in an elevated bucket truck. LaLima was installing cables and somehow came into contact with a live power line hidden in a tree. He suffered a gash in his neck and he was severely burned. LaLima was a Verizon employee for 15 years.


Man Dies of Injuries Received Due to Explosion

September 13, HANOVER, PA - An explosion September 1 at SKF North America has claimed the life of an employee who remains unidentified. According to officials the man died of respiratory burns from a salt solution used to treat metal. No details on the cause of the explosion were released.


Man Working on Electric Lines Electrocuted

September 13, COLFAX, WA - 38 year old James Hussey of Peck, ID died Tuesday after being electrocuted at DeAley Crushing Service in Colfax. Hussey and other employees were working with generator electrical lines when Hussey came in contact with a line that was still charged. Mining Safety and Health will be investigating.


Long Time Electrician Dies of Shock

September 13, AUGUSTA, GA - 41 year old Stacy A. Fincher of Saluda, SC was electrocuted Tuesday at the DSM Chemical plant in Augusta. Fincher, an employee of Austin Industrial and was contracted to DSM, was performing maintenance on when he came into contact with "live" electrical service. OSHA is investigating.


Tractor Trailer Crash Kills Driver

September 13, FORT MEYERS, FL - 34 year old Everett Arscott of Punta Gorda, FL was killed when he lost control of his tractor trailer rig and slammed into a steel bridge structure. Police say he was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the cab of the truck.


Farm Accident Takes Life of Worker

September 13, STOKES, NC - 60 year old Dalton "Big Shot" Smith died in an incident involving his John Deere tractor Tuesday. He was fueling the tractor, which somehow slipped into gear, when fellow workers noticed him on the ground and the tractor circling in the field. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Smith worked for Taylor Barnhill Farms for 25 years.


Store Clerk Murdered in Robbery

September 13, WILLETT, TN - an unidentified store manager was shot to death Tuesday by masked gunmen. The manager had just sent another employee on an errand and when he returned, he came back to police at the store. He man was an employee at Bargain Market near Willett.


Worker Killed in Industrial Incident

September 12, RIPLEY, WV - 34 year old Shannon Todd Sullins of Trafford died Monday when he was crushed in a piece of equipment. Working for Stella Jones Corporation, Sullins' left arm became entrapped in a piece of heavy machinery run by both hydraulics and electricity. He was unable to escape and was killed when an upper portion of the machinery lowered on him, the coroner's office said. OSHA is conducting an investigation.


Officer Collapses After Training Run

September 12, NEW YORK, NY - 28 year old Sherman Adams was on a training run with his academy class when he collapsed Monday along the East River up and down East Houston and 14th Street.. He was transported to a local hospital where he died. The report does now specify why he died.


Semi Trailer Runs Over Construction Worker

September 12, ELMHURST, IL - 38 year old Daniel Green of Walworth, WI was struck and killed by a semi trailer Monday. Green was standing several feet back from the road but a tractor trailer cut a corner too short and the trailer wheels jumped the curb, striking Green. Green was contracted to Illinois Department of Transportation but it is unknown what type of job he was performing.


Industrial Incident Claims Life of Worker

September 12, CALVERT CITY, KY - 31 year old James Bradley Smith died of unspecified injuries at Westlake PVC Chemical Corporation plant. Bradley, an employee for PSC JESCO Industrial Services, was performing contracted services inside the plant when he suffered fatal injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he died.


Man Dies in Gravel Truck Rollover

September 12, NEW TAZEWELL, TN - 30 something Chris Collinsworth died Monday after he was thrown from and crushed under a dump truck filled with gravel. Collinsworth was delivering gravel to a private residence when the load apparently shifted and the truck rolled over. Police are not sure if he attempted to jump from through the truck window or if he didn't have a seat belt on.


Tanker Driver Killed in Fiery Wreck

September 11, LOVELAND, CO - 58 year old Gary Agee of Greeley died when the fuel tanker truck he was driving crashed and burst into flames. Agee was attempting to exit the interstate, however, due to the nature of liquid fuel the truck became unstable and the truck overturned and ignited.


Tree Trimmer Dies of Crushing Injuries

September 11, GREENVILLE, NC - Daniel Kevin Corey was identified by friends and other professionals as the man who died Sunday while working at a residence. Corey, who operates a tree service in Pitt County, was working with the homeowner when the pine tree he cut through bounced off the ground, hit him, then fell on top of him, according to sheriff's spokesman Lt. Drew Robinson. Rescue workers hoisted the tree from him but he died at the scene.


Truck Driver Dies in Fiery Crash

September 10, EFFINGHAM, IL - 70 year old Thomas McPherson of Owensboro, KY died in a fiery crash Saturday near Effingham. McPherson's Freightliner crashed into several warning barrels in a construction zone, and then crashed into several concrete barricades. His truck then ran off the roadway and overturned into a ditch where it caught fire. McPherson died at the scene.


Cattle Farmer Dies in ATV Accident

September 10, HERMANN, MO - 77 year old Thomas E. Arey died Sunday while he was herding cattle. Arey was sorting cattle with the ATV when he accelerated quickly, causing the ATV to overturn and pin him beneath it, the patrol says.


Lifeguard Struck by Lightning While Helping Others Stay Safe

September 10, TAMPA, FL - 21 year old Justin Inversso died after being struck by lightning while helping others get out of the way of a storm. Inversso, who turned 21 on Friday, worked for Busch Gardens Adventure Island as a lifeguard and supervisor. Justin was hit as he was ushering people off a 700 foot tall waterslide to safety as bad weather moved in quickly. He was standing in approximately 3 feet of water. No one else was injured from the incident.


Construction Worker Crushed Under Equipment

September 10, ANNANDALE, VA - 40 year old Edgar Tobar died after being crushed under an asphalt roller on Saturday. Police say another worker driving the asphalt roller lost control of it and ran over Tobar. OSHA is investigating the incident.


Farmer Dies in Tractor Rollover

September 10, LEBANON, OR - 88 year old Robert Fred Meyer died after his farm tractor tipped over, pinning him underneath. Meyer was working to clear brush when he rolled down a 15 foot embankment, becoming trapped by it.


Tree Trimmer Dies From Fall

September 9, LONG ISLAND, NY - 51 year old Faustino Santamaria of Westbury died Friday when he fell 30 feet from a tree he was working in. Santamaria was working at a residence in Roslyn Heights when the branch he was standing on broke and he fell to the ground. He was transported to a local hospital where he died.


Worker Electrocuted as Ladder Hits Power Lines

September 9, MARDELA SPRINGS, MD - 41 year old Charles W. Taylor was electrocuted when a ladder he was using came too close to overheard power lines. Taylor was working for Good Gutter in front of a church when the incident happened. No further information is available.


Driver Dies in Tractor Trailer Crash

September 9, TUCSON, AZ - 61 year old Rickey Duffey of Fayetteville, GA died when he lost control of his semi, crossed the median, and crashed into another vehicle north of Tucson. The three occupants of the mini van also died. The co-driver of the Sierra semi was transported to an area hospital where he survives.


Truck Driver Dies in Crash

September 9, MARYSVILLE, OH - Freddie G. Walker Jr. of Lobelville, TN died Friday when the tractor trailer he was driving ran off the roadway and overturned. The incident is under investigation.


Worker Killed on Gas Well Site

September 9, VICTORIA, TX - 24 year old Ronnie Wise of Goliad died of unspecified injuries on a oil field work site Friday. Wise worked for Liberty Swabbing of Liberty. OSHA and the Texas Railroad Commission are investigating the incident. UPDATE: Authorities have released further information as to what occurred in the incident that claimed Wise's life.


Pizza Store Manager Murdered During Robbery

September 9, ANNISTON, AL - 56 year old Barbara Exum was found shot to death in a room at the Papa John Pizza store that she managed. Authorities believe Exum may have resisted giving the robber money before she was shot. Police have a description of the suspect they are seeking.


Garbage Truck Driver Dies in Fall

September 8, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - 62 year old Rodolfo Calderon died after falling from the truck he was driving. Officials say Calderon climbed on top of the garbage truck when the forks became entangled in some low hanging wires. Calderon tried to get the lines off the truck himself, but fell to the pavement. He worked for the company 23 years.


TDOT Worker Struck, Killed on Road

September 8, MEMPHIS, TN - 41 year old Michael Dalton died Thursday when he was struck by a vehicle along a Memphis freeway. Dalton was working with a crew for Tennessee Department of Transportation preparing to close an interstate shoulder at I-240 and Summer when he was struck by a truck.












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Train Engineer Killed on Job

September 8, BOTKINS, OH - 59 year old Dennis Hemme of Cincinnati was killed Thursday morning when he became trapped between an engine and train car at the Taylor Road crossing near Botkins. Hemme was a CSX Train engineer.


Man Dies From Bee Attack Working on House

September 8, WILHOIT, AZ - 65 year old Walter Coughran and two other men were doing work on a home Thursday when for an unknown reason a swarm of bees from a nearby hive attacked the men. Coughran ran to a neighbor's home and collapsed on the front porch. He died before help could arrive. The other workers were treated and released.


Man Dies in Industrial Incident

September 8, MILWAUKEE, WI - 30 year old Jeffrey B. Smith of Kenosha died of injuries he received at the Caterpillar plant in South Milwaukee. Reports say Smith was working in the weld shop area Thursday afternoon when he was struck by a welded structure as it was being moved. An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident.


Worker Dies of Head Injuries

September 8, WILSON, OK - 64 year old Harold Charles of Dillard died of head trauma while working on a pump jack. Charles was working on the pump at a lease operated by Jolen Operating Co. Investigators say when Charles turned the pump on, the weight hit him in the head.


Employee Electrocuted at Food Plant

September 8, CANTON, OH - 20 year old Marcos Perez-Velasquez died Thursday when he was electrocuted at the Fresh Mark manufacturing plant he was working at. Perez-Velasquez was attempting to plug a 220-volt fan into a 480-volt plug while standing in water when he fell to the floor unresponsive according to Canton police.


Truck Driver Killed in Crash

September 7, MILLS SHOALS, IL - 71 year old Ronald E. Gillis of Mt. Pleasant, IA died when the semi he was driving left the roadway and struck a large group of trees. It is unclear why Gillis lost control of the vehicle.


Worker Dies in Fall From Grain Silo

September 7, WACO, TX - 38 year old Micky Lynn Thompson died of injuries due to a fall from a grain silo. Thompson was contracted to strip metal from the structure before removing them from the property. The circumstances are not given but an investigation is being conducted.


Miner Dies in Underground Incident

September 7, JUNEAU, AK - 30 year old Joe Tagaban suffered unspecified fatal injuries in an underground gold mine Wednesday. He was performing his regular duties in the Kennington mine. An investigation is underway to determine the cause. The mine is owned by Coeur d'Alene Mines.


Tree Trimmer Electrocuted

September 6, MERCER ISLAND, WA - 48 year old Terry Melbrad of Edmonds died after coming into contact with a high-voltage power line on Mercer Island. Melbrad was in a tree using a pole saw when he was electrocuted. Melbrad worked for American Landscaping of Bothell.


Steel Worker Suffers Fatal Injuries

September 6, MAGNOLIA, AR - 55 year old Gene Drake of Waldo died late Tuesday at CMC Steel Arkansas. Drake was the leader of a maintenance crew that was changing the cable of an overhead crane. An autopsy will be performed to determine exact cause of death. An investigation is being done to determine the manner of the incident.


Farmer Killed by Tractor

September 6, REED CITY, MI - Dennis Bruske died after becoming pinned under his farm tractor Tuesday. Police say Bruske was pinned beneath the front tire of the tractor, the tractor eventually rolled back onto him. When Bruske did not return home that evening, she called 9-1-1.


Farmer Dies in Trench Collapse

September 6, FORBES, ND - 43 year old Kurt Olson died when a trench he was digging collapsed, trapping him. Olson was digging the trench to add a water line for cattle when it gave way. It is unclear if he was inside the trench or at the top of it when it gave way.


Crash Kills Semi Driver

September 6, Wythe County, VA - 44 year old Clifton Sebastian of Hickory, NC died when the tractor trailer he was driving went off Interstate 77 and down an embankment. Sebastian was not wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected from the truck.


Construction Worker Dies in Fall

September 6, TIBURON, CA - 53 year old Gabriel Vasquez died Tuesday when he fell from the roof of a structure he was working on. Another worker found Vasquez unconscious on the ground. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital. The contractor of the job site is Weiss Builders Inc.


Store Clerk Dies During Robbery

September 6, JACKSON, MS - 49 year old Dilip Patel of Madison, a convenience store clerk, was shot in the head Monday over $3 in unpaid fuel. A 16-year old has been arrested in Patel's murder.


Man Dies Engulfed in Grain Bin

September 6, DICKENS, IA - 51 year old Jeffrey Balk of Spencer died in a grain bin incident at MaxYield Cooperative in Dickens. A company spokesman said Balk went inside the grain bin while grain was being removed and was engulfed in the flowing corn. It is not clear why he entered the space.


Ranch Worker Drowns in Irrigation Canal

September 5, PATTERSON, CA - 19 year old Ernesto Ordonez drowned Monday after a tractor he was driving plunged into the Delta-Mendota Canal just north of Patterson for unknown reasons. Ordonez, working for local rancher Jeff Arambel, was driving a piece of equipment when it overturned down an embankment and into the canal.


Taxi Driver Dies in Crash

September 5, REYNOLDSBURG, OH - 47 year old Said Legasse died when his taxi crashed into an SUV Monday. According to police, Said's taxi veered left of center, hitting the SUV head-on. Legasse and the other driver were transported to an area hospital where Legasse died.


Refuse Truck Driver Dies of Injuries

September 5, DENVER, CO - 40 year old Brian Rojas died of injuries he received September 1 when he was run over by a garbage truck. According to the sheriff's department, Rojas was standing while driving and as he reached out of the cab to move a wheeled trash container that was blocking the truck, he fell out of the cab and under the wheels of the truck.


American Civil Engineer Murdered in Kabul

September 5, KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - 59 year old James W. "Will" Coker of Mount Pleasant, SC was murdered while working in Kabul, Afganistan. Coker was a civilian working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Reports say he was kidnapped from a power plant near Kabul and strangled. According to an official in Afghanistan, Coker's body was found in a cave in nearby hills.


Young Worker Dies On Labor Day

September 5, PARKER CITY, IN - 17 year old Stephen N. Tiller of Greenville, OH was killed Monday when he was crushed under a moving garbage truck. Tiller, working for a family owned business, Tiller Sanitation, were riding on the front of a front loading garbage truck. The truck hit a rough patch which sent Tiller and the other employee were thrown from the truck. Tiller was subsequently run over by the truck.


Truck Strikes, Kills Driver

September 4, LITCHFIELD, IL - 66 year old John Yarian of Apache Junction, AZ was killed Sunday when his semi truck rolled back and over him near Litchfield. Yarian pulled his truck over to check a mechanical problem. He apparently did not have the parking brake set and the truck rolled into and over him. Yarian died at the scene.


Farmer Dies in Accident

September 3, LAWRENCE, MO - 66 year old Allen Fender died in an ATV accident while spraying a field near Lawrence on Saturday. Authorities say the vehicle overturned on top of him.


Man Dies Crushed Under Farm Tractor

September 3, CAMERON, MO - 65 year old Jesus G. Carreno died Saturday from injuries he received when his farm tractor flipped. Carreno was driving the farm tractor downhill on a gravel road when he lost control. The tractor swerved and threw him off, then landed on top of Carreno.


Day Worker Dies From Electrocution

September 3, TAKOMA PARK, MD - 48 year old Orlando Hernandez of Hyattsville died Saturday while working for a Takoma Park homeowner to trim trees. After trimming the trees and removing several pieces of wood, Hernandez tried to take down the ladder he used. While doing this, police say a portion of the ladder made contact with a power line charged with 7620 volts. Hernandez was electrocuted and engulfed in flames.


Scientist Killed in Chemical Explosion

September 3, MENLO PARK, CA - 56 year old Adrian Martin of San Jose died in an explosion at Membrane Technology & Research Inc. Saturday. Martin was transferring a mixture of several gases, including methane, from one cylinder to another Friday afternoon. Fire inspectors said it was possible that the cylinder with the gases exploded because it had become over-pressurized. The explosion also caused a female scientist to be blown out of the laboratory and suffers hearing loss.


Firefighter Dies Responding to EMS Call

September 3, JONESBORO, LA - 22 year old Christopher Peterson, a volunteer firefighter for Jackson Parish Ward Four Fire Protection District, died when his truck crashed en route to a call Saturday. Reports say Peterson lost control of the department's utility truck, failing to negotiate a curve striking an embankment and into a tree. Peterson later died at a local hospital.


Firefighter Dies Battling Blaze

September 3, CAIRO, MO - 32 year old Henry "Jay" Branscum died of an unknown medical issue while battling a house fire. The Northeast R-4 Rural Fire Association says Branscum was working at the scene of multiple structure fires Saturday.


Missing Migrant Worker Found Dead

September 3, FRANKFORT, KY - 31 year old David Aquilar is believed to have died Saturday while working on a tobacco farm in Franklin County. Aquilar complained to co-workers that he was not feeling well Saturday and walked away. He was found days later along a fence line. Officials say an autopsy will be done to find out exactly what caused Aquilar to collapse along the road. Police say tobacco poisoning is common among migrant workers and several were treated last week for it.


Worker Dies of Gunshot Wounds

September 2, HELENA, AR - 19 year old Jerry Henry had just started working for Haynes Construction Co. and was cutting grass for the company on August 24. For some unknown reason, a 24 year old man shot Henry with an assault rifle. Henry died Friday of the injuries he received in the shooting. The gunman is in custody and will be charged with murder.


Tractor Trailer Driver Dies in Crash

September 2, MATTHEWS, MO - 41 year old Bradley P. Mickle of New Madrid died in a semi crash and fire near Matthews Friday. Authorities say he lost control of the truck, going from one side of the roadway before striking a bridge and into a ditch. The truck then caught fire.


Crash Into Canal Claims Life of Truck Driver

September 2, AUGUSTA, GA - 54 year old Benjamin Cunningham died when he lost control of his tractor trailer and drove off a bridge and into the Augusta Canal. Cunningham was trapped inside his cab which was completely submerged in the water. His family said he was a truck driver for 30 years and never had an accident, before Friday.


Man Dies on Roofing Job

September 1, TOPEKA, KS - 37 year old Shawn Moore died from electrocution while roofing an outbuilding in northeastern Shawnee County. Moore was doing roofing work for a private company when his ladder came in contact with a high-voltage power line behind a home. Moore died at the hospital.


Man Killed on Mining Site

September 1, GILLETTE, WY - 29 year old Cody Alwin Brown of Spearfish, SD died in an incident at the North Antelope Rochelle mine of unspecified injuries. Brown was an employee for Weston Engineering. The mine is owned by Peabody Energy.


Road Assistance Worker Struck and Killed

September 1, CHESAPEAKE, VA - 48 year old Lisa Renee Green of Suffolk was struck and killed while she was attempting to change a flat tire. Green was on her way to help another motorist when she got a flat tire on her vehicle on the High Rise Bridge. She had all her hazard lights on but while she was on the outside of her car she was hit and the car was pushed into her. Green, an employee for Jack Rabbit Services, died at the scene.


Blown Tire Causes Dump Truck Crash, Kills Driver

September 1, COLUMBUS, GA - 52 year old John O'Neal of Guyton was killed in an accident. Authorities say the Volvo dump truck O'Neal was driving blew out a front tire and swerved straight into a guardrail. The truck then went another 150 feet, struck a column and flipped. O'Neal was ejected from the truck but a fire began and he was unable to escape it.


Worker Dies Falling From Tree

September 1, ST. PETER, MN - 25 year old Murray Christopher Purdue of Minneapolis died after falling about 20 feet from a tree he was working in. Purdue was part of a 4 man crew and was leaning against a branch he didn't realize was rotted from the inside. The branch gave way and Purdue plunged to the ground, even though he was using proper safety devices.


Man Killed at Poultry Processing Plant

September 1, ORLAND, IN - 25 year old Samuel J. Worrell of Fremont was fatally injured while working with a piece of machinery at Miller Poultry. Worrell and two other workers had finished servicing a machine that is used to unload crates of chickens and were testing it when the accident happened. The nature of the injuries are not known.


Parking Attendant Killed in Crash

September 1, NEW YORK, NY - Denuld Prophete was killed while retrieving a vehicle at a midtown garage. When Prophete went to get out of the SUV, he accidentally left it in reverse, police said. The car then began to roll backward and Prophete jumped back into the car, however, instead of hitting the brake, he pressed the accelerator causing the car to crash into the metal car elevator.


Semi Crash Kills Driver

September 1, GENOA, IA - 30 year old Derek Lee Sims of Donnelson, IA was killed Thursday when his semi flipped and caught fire on Hwy 35. Sims was heading northbound when it veered off the road, overturned and caught fire. Sims died at the scene.


Worker Dies in Fall From Roof

August 31, MARIETTA, GA - 22 year old Kevin Michael Yeager died from a fall at Lockheed-Martin Cobb County facility. Yager was an employee of a roofing subcontractor for VanWinkle Construction when he fell more than 40 feet from a hangar.

We have also identified individuals who were killed in mining but were not aware of them before now:

February 11, AZ - 55 year old Roy L. Black. Employer: West Stes Skanska/Peabody Energy/Peabody Western Coal Co. Killed as the result of a truck collision.
March 2, NC - 51 year old David E. Clark. Employer: Trader Construction/Lee Creek Mine/PCS Phosphate Co. Killed when struck by a truck while walking.
July 21, NM - 37 year old Jeri L. Etsitty. Employer: P&H Mine Pro Services/BHP Navajo Coal Co. Died when struck by piece of equipment.











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