Weekly Toll

Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2012-01-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today's post holds the names of lost workers from February 2011 that we have learned about. If you know one of the workers, or are a family member, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to connect with you.

February 2011

Feb 1 - 55 year old Sherman L. Holmes. Employer: K & K Forest Products, LLC of LeRoy, MI

Feb 1 - 49 year old Yu Che. Employer: Twin Dragon Restaurant in LaHabra, CA

Feb 1 - 49 year old Robert Michael Beal. Employer: Geneva Rock Products, Inc. of Orem, UT

Feb 2 - 27 year old Joseph Daniel Hall. Employer: Bobby Jackson Electrical, Inc. of Spartanburg, SC

Feb 2 - 77 year old Edward Hebbeler. Employer: National Golf Maintenance LLC of Cave Creek, AZ

Feb 3 - 47 year old Benjamin Alvarez. Employer: Alvan Construction Inc. in Philadelphia, PA

Feb 3 - 33 year old Frank Meagher. Employer: Kaufman Enterprises, Inc. in Rosemount, MN

Feb 4 - 59 year old Ruben Rodriguez. Employer: Caribe General Constructors, Inc. of Ponce, PR

Feb 5 - 55 year old Larry Miville. Employer: Ccaps, LLC dba Servicemaster Elite in Merrimack, NH

Feb 7 - 27 year old John C. Shirley. Employer: Enterprise Products Transportation Company, LLC of Houston, TX

Feb 8 - 33 year old Pastor Bautista. Employer: Pacific Edge Real Estate of West Hollywood, CA

Feb 8 - 57 year old Richard Chellow. Employer: Elevator Dynamics, Inc. of North Hollywood, CA

Feb 9 - 20 year old Scott Estes. Employer: Airco Service, Inc. of Tulsa, OK

Feb 11 - 57 year old Marsha Dunzer. Employer: Ayres Hotel Company, Inc. in Costa Mesa, CA

Feb 11 - 49 year old Bruce C. Karau. Employer: HB Performance Systems, Inc. of Milwaukee, WI

Feb 11 - 40 year old Roberto Alvarez. Employer: Tony Stout Farm.

Feb 12 - 36 year old Jose Plascencia. Employer: Carolyn Rech.

Feb 14 - 46 year old Ichale Gorzkiewicz. Employer: Steel Warehouse Company, Inc.

Feb 15 - 59 year old Cong Pham. Employer: Pacific Cargo Services LLC of Clackamas, OR

Feb 16 - 70 year old Frank Ashcraft. Employer: Coastal Crane & Rigging, Inc.

Feb 16 - 71 year old John Michael Hogan. Employer: The Cliffs Resort in Dallas, TX

Feb 16 - 59 year old Efron Castrol. Employer: Delgado Construction of Houston, TX

Feb 61 - 61 year old Patricia Williams. Employer: Purity Water Systems dba RK Dixon Co. of Davenport, IL

Feb 18 - 53 year old Brian Trambley. Employer: Fallon Logging Co, Inc. of Tillamook, OR

Feb 19 - 39 year old Donald Hines. Employer: Trans-Systems, Inc. of Spokane, WA

Feb 19 - 31 year old Jose Lorenzo Salazar. Employer: L&J Company of Aurora, CO

Feb 20 - 24 year old Michael Rex Jeffrey. Employer: AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. of Addison, TX

Feb 20 - 42 year old Michael A. Scott. Employer: MN Dept. of Transportation-Mankato District 7 in Mankato, MN

Feb 21 - 67 year old Diane Dirks. Employer: American Arium of Tustin, CA

Feb 22 - 56 year old Surrey Williams III. Employer: 3M

Feb 22 - 54 year old Betty Geddis. Employer: Wecare Residential Facility, Inc.

Feb 23 - 55 year old Douglas Sprankle. Employer: The Davey Tree Expert Company of Kent, OH

Feb 23 - 31 year old Jamie Godines. Employer: Austin Industrial Specialty Services, L.P. of Houston, TX

Feb 24 - 65 year old Randy Steg. Employer: Randy's Windows, Carpets & Floors of Marina Del Rey, CA

Feb 25 - 32 year old Shawn Bertrand. Employer: Ceres Gult, Inc.

Feb 25 - 37 year old Charles Ulery, Jr. Employer: Maymead, Inc. of Mountain City, TN

Feb 25 - 50 year old Frederick Thornton. Employer: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept. in Charlotte, NC

Feb 26 - 39 year old Paul Cash. Employer: Nevada Division of Forestry in Spring Creek, NV

Feb 28 - 45 year old Miguel Gonzales. Employer: A. Sambado & Sons, Inc. in Linden, CA

Feb 29 - 73 year old John Patrick Brady. Employer: International Bankshare Corporation in San Antonio, TX

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2012-01-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

Each week until we are caught up, we will post one month of 2011 of worker's that we inadvertently missed using our old search method. If you are a family member or know a family member of one of these workers, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.

January 2011

Jan 3, - 38 year old John Union. Employer: Burnett Group, dba Laborfinders of Victorville, CA

Jan 3 - 47 year old James Salmons. Employer: Asplundh Tree Expert Co. of Glen Allen, VA

Jan 4 - 53 year old Gregory Gutowski. Employer: ADT Security Services of Pittsburg, PA

Jan 4 - 52 year old William Pabst. Employer: Mikrut Properties of Minnesota City, MN

Jan 5 - 46 year old Anthony Marshall. Employer: Allied Metals Corp. of Troy, MI

Jan 5 - 48 year old Ronnie Weiser. Employer: Enbridge Gathering North Texas of Dallas, TX

Jan 6 - 56 year old Reginald Woolridge. Employer: Summit Worldwide Chauffeur Service of Burbank, CA

Jan 7 - 51 year old Jose Jesus Haro-Ceja. Employer: Universal Laundries & Linen.

Jan 8 - 49 year old Brian Christ. Employer: Five City Automotive Repair Center of Cypress, CA

Jan 9 - 27 year old Ben Spoon. Employer: Howard Industries, Inc. of Laurel, MS

Jan 9 - 61 year old Leonard Perry. Employer: McJunkin Red Man Corporation

Jan 10 - 55 year old Gerardo Guerrero. Employer: Western Badge & Trophy Co., dba WBT Industries of Monterey Park, CA

Jan 10 - 25 year old Sanier Garcia Robler. Employer: J&J Ag Products, Inc. of Clewiston, FL

Jan 10 - 38 year old James Ramey. Employer: Polar Service Center of Port Allen, LA

Jan 11 - 53 year old William Floyd Hopman. Employer: Quincy Fire Protection District of Quincy, CA

Jan 12 - 42 year old Ramon Rodriguez. Employer: Michael McNeilly of Beverly Hills, CA

Jan 12 - 45 year old Rodrigo Rodriguez. Employer: Aee Palo Seco of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Jan 12 - 66 year old Bennie E. Walters. Employer: Kroger Food Store #491 of Atlanta, GA

Jan 14 - 45 year old William Perez. Employer: Shine and Company, Inc. of High Springs, FL

Jan 14 - 30 year old Bret Cooney. Employer: Patterson Uti Drilling Co, LLC of Houston, TX

Jan 15 - 39 year old McKinley Martin. Employer: M&M Farms of Bude, Inc., of Meadville, MS

Jan 15 - 43 year old Douglas Benitez. Employer: Sar Transportation, LLC of Saginaw, TX

Jan 15 - 62 year old John R. Belcher. Employer: Ax Man Tree Service of Vancouver, WA

Jan 16 - 53 year old Robert Cusentino. Employer: Park Ridge Park District-Oakton Ice Arena of Park Ridge, IL

Jan 17 - 43 year old Rafael Nunez. Employer: Bill Bailey dba Precision Concrete & Steel Mfg LLC of Statesboro, GA

Jan 17 - 29 year old Robert Williams. Employer: Best Auto, Inc.

Jan 17 - 54 year old Steven S. Rasey. Employer: Wisconsin Plastic Drain Tile Corp., of Jefferson, WI

Jan 17 - 45 year old Craig Mackovjak. Employer: Burkshire Construction Company of Parma, OH

Jan 18 - 50 year old Laurie Strowenjans. Employer: Holland Community Hospital

Jan 19 - 79 year old Gerald ODell. Employer: Disneyland Resort of Anaheim, CA

Jan 19 - 43 year old Michael McMillan. Employer: Key Energy Services of Houston, TX

Jan 19 - 26 year old Clayton Wayne Lisby. Employer: Hammer Construction, Inc. of Bridgeport, TX

Jan 19 - 31 year old Daniel Weger. Employer: Kenworth of Indianapolis dba Terre Haute Truck Center

Jan 19 - 80 year old Glen Rambo. Employer: The Chuck Radney Company

Jan 20 - 42 year old Harold C. Plunkett. Employer: DSM Chemicals North America, Inc. of Augusta, GA

Jan 21 - 57 year old Barry Campney. Employer: Schermerhorn Management, Inc.

Jan 22 - 46 year old Victorio Ulep. Employer: Falcon Landscaping, LLC of Honolulu, HI

Jan 22 - 35 year old Royce Baker. Employer: Unit Drilling Company of Tulsa, OK

Jan 22 - 47 year old Keith Gunn. Employer: Federal Express Corporation of Memphis, TN

Jan 23 - 37 year old Jose A. Ambriz Tuquin. Employer: Vino Farms, Inc. of Lodi, CA

Jan 23 - 21 year old Alex Bevins. Employer: Advanced Imaging Technologies, Inc.

Jan 24 - 49 year old Landie Piatt. Employer: James L. Cayton Associates, Inc. of New Bern, NC

Jan 24 - 54 year old Robert Smith. Employer: Arklahoma Pipeline Inc. of Van Buren, AR

Jan 26 - 28 year old James Antonio McCray. Employer: Pilot Travel Center #726 of Dallas, TX

Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2012-01-13T07:00:00.003-05:00

Following is our first post of 2012. This list is for individuals that we found out were missed in November and December 2010. Thank you for your patience while we tweak the format.

Pamela Jane Lynch - died working at Allen Jay Elementary in High Point, NC

NOVEMBER 2010

Nov 13 - 45 year old Joey Kemp. Woodard Brothers Corporation

Nov 24 - 60 year old Kadhim Jawad. LA City Building & Safety in Los Angeles, CA

Nov 25 - 55 year old William Foos. J Construction in Oak Park, MN

Nov 27 - 20 year old Jeff Furgeson, Jr. Patterson-Uti Drilling Co., Houston, TX

Nov 28 - 17 year old Juan Camacho. Haslow Farms

Nov 29 - 45 year old Roberto Rodriguez. R&B Wholesale Distributors Inc, Ontario, CA

Nov 29 - 40 year old Daniel Lefebvre. Carbide Industries, LLC, Louisville, KY

Nov 29 - 51 year old Keith Bonome. Kevin F. Leary, Plymouth, MA

Nov 29 - 46 year old Anthony Augustine. J&D Rack, Inc., Cincinnati, OH

DECEMBER 2010

Dec 1 - 55 year old Frank B. Latos. Michels Corporation, Michels Power Division, Brownsville, WI

Dec 1 - 42 year old Waqas Rehman. Baba LLC, Southington, CT

Dec 1 - 26 year old Julio Llumitasig. Allocco Recycling Ltd, Brooklyn, NY

Dec 2 - 36 year old Jerry Lee Robinson. LMS Intellibound, Inc., Norcross, GA

Dec 2 - 24 year old Andrew Wilson. State Armory Nys Div. Military & Naval Affairs, Latham, NY

Dec 2 - 42 year old Agustin G. R. Duran. Professional Metal Roofs, LLC, Madison, AL

Dec 2 - 43 year old Jeff Brannon. Sharps Mill Forest Products, Inc., Florence, AL

Dec 3 - 27 year old Arturo Duran. G & M Metal & Parts, Inc.

Dec 3 - 50 year old Cruz Ojedo. Blackstone Construction LLC, Russellville, AR

Dec 3 - 46 year old Sang Doo Lee. Air Control DJ, LLC, Duluth, GA

Dec 4 - 70 year old Pedro Cervantes. Aloun Farm Inc.

Dec 4 - 44 year old Christopher Johnson. Mohammed Hossain, Brooklyn, NY

Dec 6 - 57 year old Johnny Johnston. Securitas Security Services USA, Inc., Little Rock, AR

Dec 6 - 21 year old Victor Sanchez. South Texas Construction, Mission, TX

Dec 7 - 49 year old Lawrence Mitchell. Priset Construction Co., Wellsboro, PA

Dec 7 - 37 year old Jose Roman Cordero. Mountain Craftsmen, Pocono Lake, PA

Dec 7 - 55 year old Pamela Jane Lynch. Guilford County Schools/Allen Jay Elementary School, High Point, NC

Dec 8 - 44 year old David Ehret. Ponton Industries, Inc., Yorba Linda, CA

Dec 9 - 80 year old Joseph Digregorio. Loomis Armored US LLC, Salem, OR

Dec 27 - 58 year old Patrocinio Martinez. Ampam Parks Mechanical, Inc., Wilmington, CA

Dec 28 - 31 year old Manuel Garcia Rosale. Lincoln Manufacturing, Inc.

Dec 28 - 53 year old Terrance Cox. Champion Electrical Services, Inc., Palm Bay, FL

Dec 28 - 74 year old Kenneth Adamo. Elmwood Park Fire Department, Elmwood Park, IL

Dec 29 - 62 year old Robert Fishel. L&W Demolition Company, Inc., Harrisburg, PA

Dec 29 - 48 year old Edward Goworowski. JC Tree & Lawn Service, Allentown, PA

Dec 30 - 61 year old Gilbert Welch. Spohn's Disposal Service, Inc., Mohawk, NY

Dec 30 - 23 year old Emilio Gallardo. Primus Natural Stone, Inc., Romeoville, IL

Dec 31 - 22 year old Fernando Ixcoy. Kykenkee, Inc., Vance, AL

Dec 31 - 28 year old Jorge L. Ramirez. Contreras Brothers Trucking, Inc. Dade City, FL

Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-12-02T13:30:00.001-05:00

December 2, 2011

To all our loyal followers:

The individuals who prepare The Weekly Toll will be on a respite during the month of December. The task of reading and assembling hundreds of articles about people dying on the job from preventable causes takes its toll on a person's spirit. This is especially true for individuals like the USMWF staff and board members who have all experienced losing a loved one from a deadly workplace hazard.

We'll also be taking time in December to redesign how we present and memorialize the names of U.S. workers killed on the job. Look for a new version of the Weekly Toll in January 2012.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-12-02T13:18:00.000-05:00

Workers Die as Lift Machine Topples Over

December 1, ATLANTA, GA - 29 year old Rigoberto Lopez of Marietta and 42 year old Karlos Turner of Dallas died of injuries received in a fall Thursday. They were operating an 80 foot lift truck and when they attempted to move the lift, it fell onto a concrete walkway across the street. The men were working on the exterior of Amli Old 4th Ward Apartment Homes. They were not crushed under the machine.

Truck Driver Killed in Accident

December 1, TOTOWA, NJ - 43 year old Goran Stevanovic of Totowa died when his truck and trailer separated and his cab overturned. A witness says the low-boy trailer seemed to be wobbly and ended up separating, causing the cab to go another direction and overturn.

Emergency Worker Killed in Fiery Crash

December 1, SEYMOUR, IN - Gregory Lawdermilt, an Indiana DOT employee, was killed when his vehicle was struck from behind by a tractor trailer on icy roads. Lawdermilt had pulled over to help a motorist who lost control of her car, activating his emergency vehicle lights. A short time later a semi driver struck Lawdermilt's vehicle sending both vehicles further off the roadway and burst into flames. Lawdermilt was trapped in his vehicle.

Driver Dies in Fiery Semi Crash

November 30, POCONO, PA - 55 year old Daniel Meda of Bloomfield, NJ died Wednesday in a tractor trailer accident. Meda was driving on Interstate 80 when his FedEx truck left the roadway and went down an embankment. It struck several trees before catching on fire.

Department of Transportation Worker Struck and Killed

November 30, TULSA, OK - 42 year old Ira Henderson was struck and killed by a driver who, witnesses say, did not slow down in the construction work zone. According to investigators Henderson was properly equipped with reflective clothing normally worn by ODOT road workers.

Crane Operator Pinned by Materials

November 30, CALVERT, AL - Joseph Dudewicz, a crane operator for Thyssenkrupp Stainless USA, died today after he became pinned between two giant stainless steel coils at the Calvert facility. No further details are available.

Worker Killed in Forklift Incident

November 29, TRENTON, NC - 62 year old Dennis Michael Foy died after being injured while operating a forklift Tuesday. Preliminary findings indicated Foy had been moving cotton bales in the warehouse with a forklift. He was found on the ground, off the forklift with some bales near him that had fallen from a stack. Foy was an employee for Jones County Cotton Gin. It is unclear if the falling bales struck Foy.

Store Clerk Killed in Robbery

November 29, WILMINGTON, DE - 22 year old Al-Haidari Esam was shot to death during a robbery Tuesday. He was a clerk at Concord Food Market. Two men walked into the market and shot Esam in the chest. Esam then staggered outside the store and collapsed.

Worker Overcome by Toxic Fumes

November 28, THERESA, WI - 55 year old Roman Torres of Horicon died and another worker was hospitalized after they were overcome by toxic chemical fumes Monday. Both worked for Vivid Image and were mixing several chemical compounds causing the fumes. The wife of one of the men stopped by the business and discovered the men unconscious.

Pilot Killed in Plane Crash

November 28, RIVERWOODS, IL - 58 year old William Didier of Cedar Grove, WI died when the medical plane he was flying crashed in Riverwoods Monday. Didier, a pilot for Trans North Aviation, was transporting a patient from Florida to Chicago when he reported problems with the fuel prior to the crash. The patient and his wife were also killed in the crash.

Worker and Equipment Swallowed by Sink Hole

November 28, WEST MONROE, LA - 53 year old Kenny Robinson died when he became trapped on a track hoe he was operating Monday. Robinson was building access roads into the sand pits at 629 Louisiana 3033 in West Monroe when his track hoe became caught in a sinkhole. The machine was almost completely buried. Robinson worked for D&J Construction.

Tractor Trailer Driver Killed

November 28, ECHO CANYON, UT - 46 year old Robert D. Carpenter of Caldwell, ID died despite efforts by passersby to help him after his rig overturned Monday on I-80. Carpenter's semi struck the freeway’s cable barrier on a curve and overturned, landing in the westbound lanes.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-11-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

Laundry Worker Crushed in Equipment

November 26, BAY SHORE, NY - 24 year old Milton Anzora died being crushed in a conveyor type apparatus while checking the equipment. Anzora worked at Prestige Commercial Laundry Services.

Cab Driver Slain in Random Shooting

November 26, MAYWOOD, IL - 56 year old Luis Cordoba of Melrose Park was shot once in the head while he was waiting to pick up a customer Saturday in Maywood. The passenger suffered a non-fatal gunshot. Police say Cordoba nor his passenger were the intended targets and the bullets were apparently random.

Worker Killed Using Back Hoe

November 26, ROCK HILL, SC - 18 year old Maynro Perez of Charlotte, NC died at a construction site Saturday. Authorities did not say how Perez died, but it involved a back hoe. He worked for Kemp Construction.

Truck Driver Killed in Fiery Crash

November 25, MOFFAT COUNTY, CO - 62 year old Donald O'Neil of Huntington, UT died when his tractor trailer crashed in Colorado Friday. Authorities say he was hauling crude oil and when he failed to negotiate a curve, the truck rolled, exploded and burst into flames.

Firefighter Dies of Cardiac Arrest

November 24, HOT SPRINGS, NC - Firefighter Johnny Norton died Thursday after collapsing from cardiac arrest while participating in a search. No details were provided.

Highway Maintenance Worker Struck and Killed

November 23, PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - 53 year old Steven Arthur Morgan, an employee for DBI, was struck and killed by a driver who lost control of his vehicle Wednesday. The driver of the vehicle lost control while attempting to slow down for another accident.

Crew Member Killed on Movie Set

November 23, NEW ORLEANS, LA - Mike Huber died Wednesday when the scissor lift he was on toppled over. Huber, a crew member hired by Paramount Pictures was working on the set for a new movie. He was dismantling one of the film's sets when the incident occurred.

Man Dies When Pinned Between Trucks

November 22, RAYMOND, WI - 57 year old Avner Hizmi of Brookfield died when he was pinned between two semi's at Javco Trailer Sales in Raymond. Hizmi was found in a rear lot at the business where he had been pinned between a semitrailer that was backing up and a parked semitrailer, according to sheriff's reports.

Road Worker Dies When Struck by Van

November 21, HOUSTON, TX - Adan Martinez was struck and killed while working along I-45 Monday. Deputies said Martinez was picking up a road work sign that was in the safety zone in between the outside lane of the freeway and the exit ramp for Airtex when a van traveling southbound on the freeway hit him.

Fall Causes Worker's Death

November 21, WEST JEFFERSON, NC - 61 year old Jose Eligio Muniz-Arriaga died after falling from a trailer while unloading Christmas trees Monday. A sheriff's spokesman said it is unclear if he suffered a medical issue or just lost his footing on the trailer, but when he fell he hit his head and broke his neck.

Barge Dies After Fall Into River

November 21, CANNELTON, IN - 43 year old James Gamblin of Paducah, KY died after falling into the Ohio River from the Ganis R. Brewer barge Monday. According to reports, the vessel struck a wall at the Cannelton Locks and Dam near Cannelton. The impact caused the vessel's barges to separate and Gamblin fell into the river about midway between Evansville and Louisville, Ky. He was wearing a life vest.

Iron Worker Collapses at Work Site

November 21, RICHLAND, WA - 67 year old Andrew Hrebeniuk was found unresponsive inside a construction worksite restroom on Monday. Hrebeniuk, an iron worker at Hanford Nuclear Reservation Waste plant, was given CPR before being transported to a local hospital but he could not be revived.

Horse-Play at Work Site Turns Tragic

November 21, MIAMI, FL - 58 year old Jorge Mendez Alverez was shot in the chest Monday by a co-worker Monday. According to the co-worker's arrest affidavit, Alverez and he were horse-playing and Alverez started swinging a knife. The co-worker grabbed a gun, and believing it to be unloaded, shot Alverez in the chest. Both men were employed by Horizon Contractors.

Tow Truck Driver Struck and Killed

November 20, MANLIUS, NY - 53 year old Todd Young of Mattydale was killed Sunday while he was loading a disabled vehicle near Syracuse. Young, an employee for a Mattydale tow company, was outside his truck helping a driver whose vehicle broke down when he was struck by a passing tractor trailer.

Robbery Results in Shop Owner's Death

November 20, BROOKLYN, NY - 58 year old Carlos Rosario was shot to death inside his Bushwick Tire Shop on Sunday. The suspect walked into the shop asking about hubcaps or rims. Reports say Rosario asked the man to leave but he shot Rosario three times before fleeing.

Electric Worker Killed When Knocked From Boom Truck

November 20, SEVEN SPRINGS, NC - 45 year old Donald Deaver, an employee for Tri County Electric, fell about 26 feet when he was knocked out of the bucket of his boom truck Sunday. Deaver was working to restore electricity when a semi clipped his truck causing him to topple out of the bucket. OSHA is investigating.

Bouncer Shot to Death Inside Club

November 20, LAWTON, OK - 43 year old Kevin Rollins was found shot inside the restroom of Club Excape Sunday morning. Police has not released any further information nor made any arrest.

Driver of Flatbed Truck/Trailer Killed in Rollover

November 20, JACKSON COUNTY, FL - 38 year old Randy Bates of Gallion, AL was killed when the flatbed tractor trailer he was driving overturned, spilling his load of spools of wire on Sunday. Bates was exiting a sweeping left corner when the truck left the road and entered the median before flipping over.

Roofer Dies in Fall

November 18, CHICAGO, IL - 41 year old Jorge Padilla died Friday as the result of a fall from a building roof. Padilla was working on the roof of a new four-story residential building on the Northwest Side when he stepped into a shaft and fell to his death, authorities said today.

Cab Driver Shot to Death

November 19, SAVANNAH, GA - 65 year old James Wood was a beloved regular at a local Waffle House. He will be greatly missed by many people. He was found was found shot to death behind the wheel of his Yellow Cab car Saturday night. Wood, who was careful who he picked up, crashed the cab into a chain link fence after he was shot. Two young men has been arrested and charged with Wood's murder.

Miner Dies As Ground Crumbles Under Feet

November 19, MULLEN, ID - 26 year old Brandon Lloyd Gray of Kellogg died Saturday of injuries he received on November 17 inside the Lucky Friday mine. Officials said Gray was working deep underground when lose material began giving way beneath him and another miner. He was wearing all appropriate safety equipment but the ground may have given away too slowly for the seat-belt type device to activate. Another miner was also injured but survived. Gray worked for Cementation USA, Inc.

Video Store Worker Murdered

November 19, BROOKLYN, NY - 54 year old Nimala Randunu was found dead inside the adult video store he was working at Saturday morning. Police say Randunu suffered head trauma.

Man Dies in Incident with Wood Chipper

November 18, BELLEVILLE, IL - 54 year old Richard A. Risinger of Alton was killed when he was partially pulled into a tow-behind wood chipping machine on Friday. Authorities said it appears he was feeding a large tree branch into the machine when he was somehow entangled and pulled into it. His wife was also working with him on the job.

Crash Kills Dump Truck Driver

November 16, QUITMAN, AR - 74 year old Jimmie Whitly died Wednesday when he lost control of his dump truck on a curve and overturned. He was wearing a seat belt but died at the scene.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-11-18T13:34:00.002-05:00

Landfill Employee Dies When Tractor Flips

November 17, AVONDALE, LA - 25 year old Alexsaunder Edwards of Algiers died after the covered all-terrain vehicle he was driving flipped over at the Jefferson Parish Landfill in Avondale and caused him to drown in a canal. Police say Edwards was riding near the rear of the landfill on a canal bank when his vehicle lost traction, slid into the canal and flipped over. Edwards' father was working at the same location and attempted to revive his son but was unsuccessful.

Police Officer Shot by Bank Robbers

November 17, VALLEJO, CA - 45 year old James Capoot, an officer for the Vallejo Police Department, was shot while he was in a foot pursuit with bank robbers Thursday. Capoot had caused the get-away vehicle spin out just before the foot pursuit started. Other officers, also in pursuit, heard shots and found Capoot wounded in a backyard. He later died of gunshot wounds at a local hospital.

Highway Worker Dies When Struck by Truck

November 17, ROUND ROCK, TX - 50 year old Timothy Denerrio of Austin was struck and killed Thursday while working along I-35 near Round Rock. Denerrio was working with others doing litter clean up when the driver of a truck went out of control and into the grass, striking Denerrio. Denerrio had worked at Easter Seals Central Texas. TxDOT hired contract workers through the non-profit group. UPDATE: Authorities have correctly identified the full name of the worker as Timothy Denerrio Roy.

Tunnel Worker Dies of Head Injury

November 17, LONG ISLAND, NY - 26 year old Michael O'Brien died when a rock fell and hit him on the head Thursday. O'Brian, was working as a Sandhog inside the Long Island Railroad Tunnel alongside his father, who tried to save his son with CPR. O'Brien was then transported through the tunnels to the hospital where he died. The project is being done by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Worker Killed by Falling Debris

November 16, CHICAGO, IL - An unidentified man in his 40's was killed at a construction demo site this morning. The man had been working on the top floor of a three-story building when the beam and part of the ceiling fell on him, according to Gresham District police Lt. John Francis. The man worked for Heneghan Wrecking. UPDATE: Authorities have identified 39 year old Miguel Caltzontzin as the worker who was killed.

Farm Worker Electrocuted

November 16, MANATEE, FL - 44 year old Fernando Melechor died when he was electrocuted Wednesday. Authorities say a metal boom on a tractor he was driving came in contact with a live wire. He was electrocuted when he stepped off the tractor and touched the ground.

Tractor Trailer Driver Crushed Under Rig

November 16, MORRISON, CO - James Horsefield of New Mexico was found dead Wednesday partially under his disabled semi. Police say it appears Horsefield crawled under the semi to check out a suspension issue with the truck when the suspension gave way and the truck fell onto Horsefield. His tools were found under the truck when the discovered Horsefield.

Tanker Driver Dies in Crash

November 16, CLIFTON, CO - 59 year old Edward F. McCord of Grand Junction died in a crash of his empty water tanker Wednesday. For an unknown reason, McCord lost control of the tanker and rolled it into the median on I-70 near Clifton.

Man Dies Weeks After Burn Injuries

November 15, MAYWOOD, IL - 53 year old Gabe Rocha of Portage has died almost a month after suffering burns he received in a steel mill explosion. Rocha was a manager at ArcelorMittal's Burns Harbor plant when an oxygen vessel exploded. He suffered burns to most of the back side of his body. He had been in a medically induced coma since the incident. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Man Crushed at Scrap Yard

November 15, WASHINGTON, PA - 75 year old William Brookman, owner of Brookman Iron & Metals, was crushed under a steel bucket he was cutting with a blow torch which fell on him. OSHA will be conducting an investigation, but the coroner has said Brookman's death was an accident.

One Worker Dead, Another Critical After Toxic Exposure

November 15, FULLERTON, CA - 62 year old Roberto Magdariaga has died and another employee is in critical condition after being exposed to toxic fumes inside a tank at a paint manufacturing plant. Both men were working at Vista Paints, inside a confined space and using what authorities believe to be paint stripper chemical when they were overcome by the fumes. The men were found by another co-worker who called for help.

Mechanic Found Dead Inside Business

November 14, NORWALK, CT - 55 year old William Boone, owner of Boone's Auto Service, was found dead Monday morning by other employees arriving for work. Boone was found slumped over the steering wheel of a running pick up truck inside the garage. Police say he most likely died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Surface Miner Dies When Dozer Rolls

November 14, LOUELLEN, KY - 28 year old David J. Middleton of Baxter died Monday from injuries he received on November 2 at Nally & Hamilton Enterprise's Mill Branch Mine. Middleton was doing reclamation work on a highwall when the bulldozer flipped several times and landed in the road, according to reports from federal mining officials. Middleton suffered head injuries and was found unconscious.

Tractor Trailer Driver Killed in Crash

November 14, FRONT ROYAL, VA - 39 year old Mark Sheridan Flinn of Moorefield, WV died after his tractor trailer struck the back of another tractor trailer on Monday. Police say a semi driver was merging onto I-66 and was trying to pick up speed when Flinn's truck ran into the back of it. Flinn died on the scene, the other driver received no injuries but his passenger received minor injuries.

Out of Control Driver Strikes and Kills Construction Worker

November 14, NEWARK, NJ - 50 year old David Seeley of Washington Township was killed and two other workers injured when a patient at St. Michael's Medical Center lost control of his car and struck the workers. The patient had just received his vehicle from valet and was leaving when he hit the men. Seeley, a contractor, was working at the entrance of the medical center.

Worker Dies as Mower Overturns

November 14, BEAUMONT, TX - 33 year old Enrique Aguilar of Groves died after the mower he was driving overturned into a canal. Aguilar was mowing the right-of-way for Drainage District 6 was killed when his tractor slipped off a canal levee and overturned. He was last scene when he started his shift and was not found until he did not show up at the end of the day.

Police Officer Killed in Wrong Way Crash

November 14, DORAVILLE, GA - 27 year old Robert Wilson, a detective for the Doraville Police Department, was killed instantly in a crash while he was responding to a home invasion call. The driver of an SUV was going the wrong way on I-20 and crashed head on into Wilson vehicle. An investigation is underway.

Worker Run Over by Equipment Dies

November 14, FREDERICK, MD - 37 year old David Garcia of Gaithersburg died at a trauma center in Baltimore after he was struck by a piece of constrution equipment. A skid loader was grading at the Harland J. Shoemaker & Sons LLC property when Garcia was run over. He suffered lower extremity injuries and died at the trauma center.

Farm Worker Dies in Accident

November 14, NORMAN PARK, GA - Martin Fernandez Herrera, a farm worker, died after he was run over by a trailer being pulled by a truck. Reports say Herrera tried to catch a ride by jumping on the trailer while it was being towed. He apparently lost his grip and fell under the wheels of the trailer.

Bartender Shot to Death

November 14, LAS VEGAS, NV - Phil Wells was shot to death while he was working at The Garage bar Monday morning. According to police, Wells' murder was not robbery motivated but while they have arrested a suspect, they do not know the motive at this time.

Cable/Phone Technician Dies From Fall

November 14, LOVELAND, CO - 54 year old David Johnson, a 15 year employee for Century Link, died Monday after falling from a ladder. Johnson was working on a phone or broadband line when he fell. He died on scene of multiple blunt force injuries.

Driver Dies as Semi Crashes Into Bridge

November 13, DANDRIDGE, TN - 59 year old Allen J. McEwen of Willowick, OH was killed his tractor trailer hit a bridge pillar on I-40 Sunday. McEwen lost control of his truck and struck the end of a guard rail and into the pillar.

Livery Cab Driver Shot to Death

November 13, FAR ROCKAWAY, QUEENS, NY - 30 year old Patrick Hall was found dead inside a livery cab Sunday, still clutching cash in his hand. Police say he was shot execution style in the back of his head by someone who had allowed into the back seat.

Farmer Dies After Fall Inside Silo

November 13, MOUND CITY, SD - 48 year old Courtney Lee Livingston Jr. died when he fell 100 feet inside a silo on his farm. Livingston was found by his wife and he died while being flown to a hospital in Bismark.

Warehouse Supervisor Dies in Fall

November 12, HUMMELS WHARF, PA - 62 year old Marvin C. Straub of Middleburg, an employee for Plaza House Furniture, died after he fell from a ladder on Oct. 12 at the warehouse. He was taken to a medical center where he died on Saturday. OSHA will be conducting an investigation.

Tanker Driver Dies in Crash

November 12, BELLEFONTE, PA - 63 year old Raymond R. Coursen died as the result of a crash on State Route 45 on Sunday. Coursen was driving a milk hauling tanker when he lost control of the truck. The truck rolled onto its side and slammed into an embankment. Police say he suffered severe head and neck trauma.

Shipworker Dies After Arm Severed

November 12, MILWAUKEE - 60 year old Ronald Hackensmith of Superior, WI died after his arm was severed in an incident aboard the SS St Mary's Challenger ship that was docked in Milwaukee. Hackensmith worked as a 'conveyorman' who operated the ship's conveyor system, and his arm became caught on the conveyor. His screams were heard by another worker who called for help. Hackensmith was working alone at the time and it is unclear how the incident happened.

Recycling Worker Hit by Truck, Dies

November 11, MAMARONECK, NY - 35 year old Robert Del Vecchio died Friday after he was struck by a truck at a city highway department/recycling yard. Del Vecchio was employed by the Town of Mamaroneck.

Deckhand Drowns After Falling Overboard

November 11, HERNANDO BEACH, FL - 58 year old Robert T. Parker of Spring Hill died Friday after he fell off the port side of a commercial shrimp vessel. Parker, a deckhand for Norman Soucy, was on the front of the boat and possibly due to bad weather Parker was knocked into the water from the waves.

Logger Dies of Head Injury

November 11, FALLS BRANCH, WV - 45 year old Franklin D. Vance Jr. died in a logging incident on Friday. Vance was killed instantly when the tree he was cutting kicked and broke off from the stump, striking him in the head.

Construction Worker Crushed Under Falling Machine

November 11, WEST YORK, NJ - 20 year old Patricio Munoz of Irvington died after he was crushed under a large piece of equipment on Friday. Munoz, an employee for FM Home Improvements, was operating a Pettibone lift, a large piece of equipment with a telescoping platform, and was in the cockpit when the equipment became unstable. Munoz got out of the cockpit and tried to run, although he ran right into the path of the falling machine. OSHA is investigating.

Police Officer Killed in Armed Encounter

November 10, PERU, ME - 46 year old Eric Richard of Rumford was shot three times in an armed encounter with a Maine warden. At the time, state police troopers and wardens were helping Rumford police search a wooded area in Rumford for the warden, who was armed and had been reported as despondent.

Fire Police Officer Dies at Scene of Crash

November 10, ROTHSVILLE, PA - 71 year old Ed Steffy suffered a fatal heart attack while on the scene of a crash Thursday. Steffy was a 53 year veteran officer of the Rothsville Fire Company.

Security Guard Shot During Robbery

November 10, CHICAGO, IL - 54 year old Reginald Lanier was shot to death during a robbery at an Aldi grocery store in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood Thursday. Two armed men walked into the store and while one approached the cashier, the other shot Lanier as he came to confront the robbers. Lanier didn't feel safe taking this job, but after being laid off another job he knew he had to do this to support his family.

Construction Worker Hit by Semi Truck

November 10, BRECKSVILLE, OH - 40 year old John Costlow of Akron died after being struck Thursday by a semi truck that went off the roadway. The semi driver stopped after the incident, saying he leaned over to retrieve some papers and when he looked up, Costlow was in front of his truck. Costlow worked for KoKosing Construction who had been hired by the Ohio Department of Transporation to do expansion work.

Employee Falls Down Elevator Shaft

November 9, CANTON, IL - 47 year old Lisa Bickell of Bryant died of spinal injuries when she fell down an elevator shaft to a basement floor. Bickell arrived at the business and entered through a back service entrance. From the main level, she raised the safety gate to enter the elevator, the car of which was on the third floor. She stepped into the open shaft and fell 9 feet to the basement and suffered spinal injuries. She was employed by Black Crow Candle Co.

Worker Dies of Head Injury

November 8, VERNAL, UT - 55 year old Kelton Lee was injured while working on Oct. 26. Witnesses on the scene say Lee was lifting a 21-foot piece of pipe off a truck at his workplace, Stearns Construction Company, when his legs gave out, causing him to lose his balance and drop the pipe. When he fell, the pipe struck him in the head rendering him unconscious. He was first transported to a hospital by ambulance, then life-flighted to another. It is unclear whether he died on Oct. 26 or the article posting date of November 8.

Worker Dies When Clothes Caught in Machine

November 7, LANCASTER, MA - 38 year old Russell Walker of Fitchburg died after he became entangled in a cardboard box folding machine. Police say it appears a piece of Walker's clothing became tangled in the drive shaft of the machine. Walker was employed by Horn Packaging.

Miner from Mine Safety Site:
9/23/11 - New York - John P. Collingwood was working in the Freedom Pit mine for LaFarge SA. The report lists only a Slip or Fall of worker.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-11-11T06:10:00.000-05:00

Crash Into Fuel Tanker Kills Driver

November 9, CHANDLER, AZ - An unidentified milk truck driver is dead following a crash into the back of a tanker truck. The driver of the milk truck slammed into the back of the tanker which was carrying 7,700 gallons of diesel gas byproduct causing it to ignite into flames. The driver was caught in the intense fire and could not be saved. The driver of the fuel tanker was shaken but uninjured and was able to get free of the truck on his own.

Driver Killed as Tanker Truck Crashes

November 9, BELLEVUE, WA - 56 year old Arville James Chappell of Port Orchard died in a crash of his tanker truck Wednesday morning. The crash happened near a freeway exit when the truck struck a jersey barrier which caused the truck to tip over onto its roof, crushing the truck's cab. Chappell died at the scene.

Tractor Trailer Driver Killed as Truck Overturns

November 8, MONROE, NJ - 39 year old Emil Deleon of Union City died after losing control of his tractor trailer on a freeway exit ramp. Deleon was hauling recycled paper bales and as Deleon rounded the curve the truck tipped over on the driver's side onto a guard rail. Police say Deleon was killed on impact.

Driver Ignores Work Zone Cones, Kills Worker

November 8, SPRING HILL, FL - 28 year old Steven Thompson of Dade City was struck and killed by a driver who ignored a clearly marked road work zone. Authorities say the driver failed to merge as directed and continued down the closed lane straight towards the work area. She then struck a barrel before running into Thompson. He was rushed to an area hospital where he died of his injuries.

Truck Driver Dies in Fiery Crash

November 8, RICHWOOD, OH - 49 year old Fred G. Steinhelfer of West Mansfield was killed in a crash of his semi Tuesday. According to authorities Steinhelfer lost control of the tractor-trailer and veered off the road. The rig then crashed into power lines before catching fire. Steinhelfer was trapped inside the rig.

Worker Dies in Incident With Machine

November 8, BRILLION, WI - An unidentified man was killed Tuesday at Brillion Iron Works. The employee worked with equipment that transfers containers holding sand used in molding, and was injured by the machinery. He was transported to an area hospital where he died.

Worker Dies After Being Rescued From Building Collapse

November 8, BRIGHTON BEACH/BROOKLYN, NY - It is being reported that 54 year old Ivan Lendel died of heart failure after being rescued from a major condo building collapse in Brighton Beach Tuesday. Officials said concrete is normally spread from the bottom floors up, but the contractor, possibly to save time, started with the third floor and was working down which is what caused the floors to buckle and collapse. It is unclear who Lendel worked for but the building contractor was SP&K Construction and owners of the property are RS Condo LLC with Bricolage Architecture & Design as the design firm.

Worker Dies in Machine Related Incident at Plant

November 7, CANTON, SD - 42 year old Larry Kinzer of Sioux Falls died Monday of unspecified injuries at the Adams Thermal Systems plant in Canton. Authorities have said Kinzer died after a machine-related accident but they haven't released details. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been called in to investigate.

Man Dies Working in Rock Quarry

November 7, DEWITT, IA - 82 year old Bruce Arvin Anderson died Monday in an incident involving a rock crushing machine at Anderson Quarry. Co-workers last saw Anderson near the machine where the rock enters a crusher. When the co-worker returned he could not find Anderson. After searching, Anderson was found trapped inside the machine.

Miner Killed in Equipment Incident

November 7, EOLIA, KY - 47 year old Jerry Britton of Pound, VA was killed inside the Hubble Mining Co. Number 9 mine in Eolia. Britton died when a piece of equipment hit him in the underground mine. He was a mine foreman. State mine investigators are at the scene to investigate.

Flatbed Truck Flips, Killing Driver

November 7, RUSH COUNTY, IN - 43 year old Ryan L. Moore of Laurel was killed in a crash of his flatbed truck. Moore was hauling shingles on the flatbed when it went off the side of the road. He over-corrected and went off the other side of the road where the truck rolled. Moore died at the scene.

Pawn Shop Employee Shot to Death

November 7, CLINTON, TN - 58 year old Larry Snellings died of gunshot wounds after a man posing as a customer somehow loaded a shotgun he was looking at. After a struggle with the man, Smellings was shot. Another employee, hearing the commotion, was able to shoot the gunman who was later arrested at his home.

Worker Dies in Construction Site Incident

November 6, BRANSON, MO - 41 year old Ray Strawn died after falling from a lift boom on a construction project at Palace View Resort. Authorities say Strawn was inside a wooden box being lifted off the ground by a boom lift. When the box was about 25 feet in the air, it became unstable and fell from the lift with Strawn inside. OSHA is investigating. Strawn worked for a subcontractor for Larry Snyder Construction.

Construction Worker Crushed

November 6, LISBON, CT - 64 year old Charles Wojtkun died on a construction job early Sunday morning. Police said a construction crew was clearing a sight line for a land lot. The crew started to remove a tree with the excavator and Wojtkun was pinned against the tree and run over.

Semi Crash on Icy Highway Kills Driver

November 6, TIOGA, ND - 24 year old Matthew McQueen of Texas died and his passenger injured after his tractor trailer rig went out of control on an icy highway and overturned. Authorities did not release the town in Texas McQueen is from.

Passenger Killed in Grain Truck Rollover

November 6, ARBUCKLE, CA - 39 year old Luis Rodriguez of College City was the passenger in a grain truck that crashed near Arbuckle in Colusa County. The truck driver was towing two bottom dump grain trailers when his truck drifted onto the right shoulder. The truck then rolled and ejected Rodriguez. He died at a local hospital.

Worker Crushed Under Falling Material

November 4, EGELSTON, MI - An unidentified man died at the Sun Chemical plant on Friday from blunt force trauma. According to reports the man was hit by a falling bag of pigment, which is made at the plant. No other details or information was given.

Pizza Deliveryman Fatally Shot

November 4, BLOOMINGTON, IN - 22 year old Adam Sarnecki died after being shot in the back while trying to run from a gunman Friday. Sarnecki, an employee for Pizza X, returned to the store after a delivery when he came upon a man trying to break into other employee cars. When he confronted the man, he pulled out a gun and shot Sarnecki in the back as he ran into the store. He was able to give police information before he died later after surgery.

Cement Truck Driver Dies in Crash

November 4, MARENGO, OH - 50 year old Timothy F. Vansickle died after the cement truck he was driving crashed and rolled over on Route 37. The truck was owned by Buckeye Ready Mix. No details of cause of the crash were given.

Two Fatalities Tied to Sewer Line Manhole

November 3, FAIRVIEW, TX - 44 year old Jeronimo Cruz of Arlington and an unidentified co-worker died after being overcome by toxic fumes Thursday. Three men working for S.J.Louis Construction, were working to remove a plug from a North Texas Municipal Water District sewer line when one man entered a manhole and was overcome by toxic gas, rendering him unconscious. A second man returned from retrieving a rope to find another worker unconscious in the manhole and the first man missing. The unidentified man's body was recovered Friday but family has not released his name.

Worker Crushed in Worksite Incident

November 3, SPRINGFIELD, MO - William "Cole" Hambelton, believed to be around 19 years old, was fatally injured at Paul Mueller Company Thursday. Authorities say he was pinned between a truck and trailer at the north yard of the stainless steel equipment manufacturing company.

Worker Crushed to Death by Crane Collapse

November 3, JUNEAU, AK - 75 year old Boyd Cody died when the 25 ton crane he was operating collapsed on Thursday. Cody was operating a barge crane and when it started to collapse, he reportedly tried to jump out of the machine, but was crushed by it. OSHA is investigating.

Young Man Dies in Trench Collapse

November 3, GILMAN, MN - 19 year old James Tilson of River Falls died Thursday after he was trapped in a trench collapse. No other details are available and the incident is under investigation.

Police Officer Dies of Work-Related Injury

November 3, SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Officer Daniel Clark died of complications after surgery to repair an ankle injury. Clark joined a foot pursuit on January 18 and injured his ankle, which never fully healed correctly. He suffered a pulmonary embolism caused by blood clots resulting from the surgery Thursday.

College Instructor Dies in Fall

November 2, LAFAYETTE, IN - 36 year old Craig Porter died after falling 65 feet from a wind turbine structure Wednesday. Porter, an instructor for Ivy Tech Community College, was teaching on a 65-foot-tall tower used to teach wind turbine technology when he fell. The circumstances of the fall are unclear but reports say a student was with him on the tower when he fell. School officials say he was wearing a safety harness.

Gunmen Kill Two Store Employees, One Supplier

November 2, CHICAGO, IL - Several gunmen burst into The Connect Convenience store on Chicago's Far South Side on Wednesday and opened fire, killing two employees and one who was making a delivery. 46 year old Ibah Arafeh of Lansing was making his final delivery of the night; 30 year old Michael Banks was the store's security guard and 25 year old Weam Salem was a store employee who were shot and killed by the gunmen.

Worker Dies at Food Distribution Center

November 2, INDIANAPOLIS, IN - 61 year old Stephen Foster died of unknown circumstances at C&S Logistic's Marsh Supermarket warehouse. He was transported to an area hospital where police say he died of significant injuries.

Pizza Delivery Driver Shot and Killed

November 2, HOUSTON, TX - 40 year old Phillip Little was attacked and shot by an unknown number of assailants Wednesday. Little arrived at a residence to deliver a pizza but the woman who lived there had not placed the order. Little was attacked as he walked back to his car in a probably robbery attempt. Little was able to drive away but crashed his car into a house. He later died at a local hospital.

Man Dies in Incident With Scissor Lift

November 1, SIOUX FALLS, SD - 58 year old Bruce Lynn Leibfried of Arko, MN died while operating a scissor lift at a post officer in Sioux Falls. Leibfried, an electrician, was killed when the bucket of his crane was lodged between some tubing and a rafter in the ceiling, according to Det. Sean Kooistra of the Sioux Falls Police Department.

Worker Trying to Stay Warm Dies of Toxic Exposure

October 29, QUEENS, NY - 21 year old Jorge Perez died and his cousin seriously injured when they started a lawn mower in a confined area in order to stay warm. Both men suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the running mower. Perez was part of a landscape crew who called it an early day due to the weather and he and his cousin were riding in the back of a truck with the equipment. The fired up the mower in an attempt to stay warm.

Man Fatally Injured Trimming Tree

October 28, MONROEVILLE, PA - 47 year old Steven Evans of Plum died cut himself with a chainsaw while working in a tree at a home in Monroeville. Evans was up in a tree using a chain saw when he cut his leg with the saw. He was unconscious and bleeding heavily when emergency responders arrived on the scene.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-11-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

Mechanic Struck by Passing Car

November 1, ASHVILLE, OH - David Drum, an employee for Teays Valley Local Schools, was standing by a school bus with a flat tire when another employee somehow struck and killed him. Authorities say Drum was trying to locate a tow truck and was standing by the disabled bus when he was hit.

Worker Dies After Falling into Sewer Vat

November 1, SMITHTOWN, NY - 43 year old Richard Dennison of Central Islip died at a sewage treatment facility at an apartment complex on Long Island. Dennison, a United Cesspool Service employee, had fallen into a sewer vat at the Avalon Commons apartment complex in Smithtown. He was pronounced dead at the scene. OSHA is investigating.

Tractor Trailer Driver Killed in Crash

October 31, ERWIN, NY - 25 year old John K. Stinson-Rogers of Dundee was killed when he lost control of his milk hauling tractor trailer near Erwin. The truck went off the roadway and rolled onto its side. It then slide into a tree, which caused heavy damage to the cab of the truck.

Chimney Sweep Dies From Fall Off Roof

October 31, HILTON HEAD, SC - 52 year old Alan Parnelle, hometown unknown, died after falling from the roof of a Lady's Island home as he cleaned its chimney. Authorities would not provide Parnelle's city but said he had been hired by the homeowner to clean the chimney. He was transported to a hospital where he died of internal injuries during surgery.

Underground Miner Dies in Vehicle Incident

October 31, BILLINGS, MT - 42 year old Dale Alan Madison died while driving a piece of equipment 1,200 feet underground at Stillwater Mining near Nye. A Mine Health & Safety Representative said Madson was driving an open-cab haul truck Monday that went into a ditch. She says a rock bolt struck him in the neck. The mine is under partial closure until the investigation is complete.

Two Well Workers Die in Truck Crash

October 31, GRAND JUNCTION, CO - Andrew Marquez and Travis Oropeza, both 24 years old, died when their Monument Well Service truck crashed down a ravine. The truck passed through a guard shack operated by Occidental Petroleum at about 5AM Monday, but they failed to report to their work location. A search for the men found their truck down a 1,000 foot embankment. It is not clear what caused the accident.

Taxi Driver Found Shot to Death

October 31, LEMON GROVE, CA - 39 year old Jalaludin Hamrah was shot to death by a passenger in the early morning hours Monday. Police received a report that a taxi had been seen rolled over and upon investigating Hamrah was found inside. While attempting to revive him they discovered he had been shot. Authorities know who they are seeking for Hamrah's murder.

Three Die, Three Still Missing in Grain Elevator Explosion

October 29, ATCHISON, KS - A Saturday evening grain dust explosion at the Bartlett Grain Co. elevator in Atchison has killed three young men while three others are still missing. 20 year old Chad Roberts, 21 year old Ryan Federinko and 24 year old John Burke were identified Sunday. The blast is a harrowing reminder of the dangers workers face inside elevators brimming with highly combustible grain dust at the end of the harvest season. The search for the missing will resume when it is deemed safe to continue.

Three More Workers Identified in Deadly Grain Elevator Explosion

October 29, ATCHISON, KS - 34 year old Travis Keil of Topeka and 43 year old Derrek Klahr of Wetmore and 21 year old Curtis Field of Atchison died in the massive grain dust explosion at Bartlett Grain Co. on Saturday. Fine, highly combustible grain particles flow through the buildings as corn and other grain are moved and a spark can ignite the dust, sending a pressure wave that detonates the rest of the floating dust in the facility.

Taxi Driver Lured, Robbed and Murdered

October 29, TALLAHASSEE, FL - 29 year old O'Bryan Brandy was shot by four men who called for a cab Saturday with the soul purpose of robbing the driver. The men used a vacant home to call for a cab and when Brandy came to pick up what he thought was a fare, he was shot at close range. Brandy worked for Yellow Cab Co. Police have arrested the four suspects in Brandy's murder.

Construction Worker Dies After Building Collapse

October 29, BRONX, NY - 51 year old Muhammad Kebbeh died after being pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building that was under renovation Saturday. Fire officials say the building was being renovated and that a column collapsed, bringing down the top floors. Kebbeh was transported to a local hospital where he died.

Hotel Manager Shot by Disgruntled Ex Employee

October 29, ANCHORAGE, AK - 55 year old Kerry Fadely was fatally shot Saturday inside the kitchen of the Millennium Alaskan Hotel where she was a manager. Fadely was the supervisor for the employee until his dismissal a week ago. Witnesses to her murder quickly identified her killer and police have arrested the man.

Young Police Officer Shot

October 29, GLENDALE, AZ - 26 year old Officer Brad Jones died when he was shot when he accompanied a probation officer on a call. After arriving at the suspect's apartment, a struggle ensued and Jones called for other officers. The suspect pulled a gun and shot Jones who later died at a hospital.

Farmer Dies of Toxic Exposure

October 29, PILOT MOUND, IA - 74 year old Richard Shaw of Ogden died and his son was injured after anhydrous ammonia leaked from a tank in central Iowa. Authorities say a hose broke, allowing the fertilizer out of the tank on Saturday morning. Shaw's son and three first responders were treated at an area hospital for toxic exposure. Shaw died on the scene.

Trucker Dies of Medical Issue

October 28, GREELEY, CO - 60 year old Ramon Calkins of Phoenix, AZ died of a medical issue on his way to pick up a load at JBS USA beef packing plant. No other details are available.

Football Referee Dies After Collapse on Field

October 28, HIGH POINT, NC - Eric McCoy died after he suffered a medical event while referring a high school football game. McCoy, a North State Football official, told the head referee that he felt dizzy before collapsing. He was revived, but later died at an area hospital. Reports say his heart stopped after he suffered a seizure.

Worker Dies of Toxic Fumes Exposure

October 28, ELKO, NV - An unidentified 21 year old man died after he was overcome by toxic fumes while he was working on a mine vehicle tire. The man, a contractor at Newmont Mining Corp.’s truck shop at the Gold Quarry Mine north of Carlin was overcome by fumes while inside the tire to repair it. He was discovered by others and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Worker Dies After Fall Into Commercial Dryer

October 28, LOUISVILLE, KY - 55 year old Kevin Burgess died after he was apparently pulled into a commercial dryer he was attempting to fix before other workers arrived. The machine did not have a safety mechanism to keep it from starting. Police also said Burgess may have been trapped and unable to escape because the large doors to the dryer automatically close when it starts.

Police Officer Dies in Fiery Crash

October 28, ALBANY, GA - 36 year old Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming died after her cruiser crashed while in pursuit of bank robbers. After officers responded to a report of a robbery in progress, Flemming's cruiser collided with another officer's sending it into a tree where it burst into flames.

Worker Falls Through Roof, Dies

October 28, LAKEWOOD, OH - 63 year old Dhimitraq Taluri died after falling through the roof of a building he was working on. After falling through the roof into the basement of the building, he was transported to an area hospital where he died. OSHA is investigating.

Semi Driver Dies After Collision

October 28, MARSHALL, MI - 58 year old Timothy Hersey of Ithaca died after he drove his tractor trailer into the back of another tractor trailer on Friday. Deputies believe the first truck driver was slowing down to possibly pull over when Hersey's truck ran into it. Deputies continue to investigate the crash.

Business Owner Killed in Possible Robbery

October 28, MILWAUKEE, WI - 41 year old Shawn J. Jenkins was found shot to death Friday by employees arriving for work at Jenkin's MidTown Auto & Metal Recycling. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots Thursday. A close friend said that he feared robbery was the motive for his friend's death.

Construction Worker Killed in Hit and Run

October 28, FORT SALONGA, NY - 49 year old Victor Schultz died after he was hit by a vehicle Friday morning. Police say Schultz and a co-worker were loading a milling machine onto a trailer. They were on the side of the road when Schultz was struck. His co-worker was not injured. An investigation is ongoing.

Two Miners Dies in Rock Wall Collapse

October 28, CENTERTOWN, KY - 47 year old Darrel Winstead of Madisonville and 23 year old Samuel Lindsey of Morton's Gap were killed when a high rock wall collapsed onto their work truck at Armstrong Coal's Equality Mine, trapping them inside. The two men were on a blasting crew from MEMSCO, which is based in Dawson Springs and is a subsidiary of Midland Powder Co. of Evansville, Ind., according to The Associated Press.

Bus Driver Suffers Fatal Heart Attack

October 27, ATHENS, GA - Tom Torrisi, the crew bus driver for the band Widespread Panic, died of a heart attack while driving the bus to another show. After he collapsed, another crew member took over the wheel while another gave Torrisi CPR unsuccessfully.

Dental Employee Murdered at Clinic

October 27, HOUSTON, TX - 29 year old Yodani Cruz-Rojas was shot to death inside the Smiley Dental Clinic where she worked. A man she had been involved with and was father of two of her children walked into the clinic just before closing time and shot her. Police are searching for the gunman and he has already been charged with her murder.

Truck Driver Killed in Fiery Crash

October 27, SLEEPER, MO - 60 year old Vernon Lowrance of Bethel Springs, TN died when his hay-hauling truck crashed into a rocky embankment and burst into flames. The hay he was hauling fueled the flames to the extreme.

Resort Co-Owner Crushed Under Equipment

October 26, CRIVITIZ, WI - 60 year old Paul Milquet, co-owner of Timberline Resort, died of crushing injuries on the property Wednesday. Milquet was doing maintenance of a skid steer loader when it fell and crushed him. He was transported to an area hospital where he died of his injuries.

Tanker Driver Dies in Rollover

October 26, UINTAH, UT - 48 year old Louis Joseph Cisneros of Tooele died after being ejected from his tanker truck as it rolled on its side. Cisneros was driving a Flying J truck full of butane when it overturned as Cisneros was taking an off ramp.

Worker Falls From Roof

October 26, CHARLOTTE, NC - An unidentified man died after he fell from the Pike Energy Solutions building roof Wednesday. The man was standing on or near a chute that was attached from the roof of the building to a garbage dumpster on the ground when he fell. Simon Roofing and Sheet Metal Corp. was doing work on the roof of the building, but it is not clear whether the victim was an employee of that company.

Mail Carrier Killed in Crash

October 26, EAST WHEATFIELD, PA - 58 year old Shirley Hill of Homer City, a 30 year Postal Service veteran, was killed when her vehicle collided with a coal truck. She was attempting to cross a highway in her personal vehicle, which rural carriers use to deliver mail, when she was struck.

Sanitation Worker Killed by Truck

October 25, FAYETTEVILLE, NC - 29 year old Jordan Nanney was killed when he fell off the back of a sanitation truck and was run over. Nanney, an employee of Cumberland Garbage & Trash Service, was riding on the back of the truck as it backed up when he fell off and was run over. The driver was unaware that Nanney had fallen off the truck.

Construction Worker Falls to His Death

October 25, STAMFORD, CT - 36 year old Javier Salinas of Danbury died after he fell about 50 feet from the roof of a sports complex Tuesday. Salinas was on the unfinished roof installing sheeting when he fell. Witnesses say he was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. American Buildings, a Trumbull contractor working for AP Construction, reportedly employed Salinas.

Truck Crash Fatal for Driver

October 25, TOPEKA, KS - 57 year old Paul D. Cardwell of Abilene, KS died after his semi crashed in East Topeka. Cardwell's truck was carrying asphalt oil. Investigators don't yet know what caused the fatal crash but his rig ended up on both sides of the highway and demolished a large highway sign.

Public Works Employee Dies as Tree Falls

October 25, DICKSON, TN - 52 year old James "Possum" Williams died of blunt force trauma to his head and back after he was hit by a falling tree. Williams was part of a crew cutting trees threatening to fall onto a house when the tree fell in an unexpected way. Williams, an employee for Dickson Public Works, attempted to run but was hit on his back and head by the tree.

Worker Struck and Killed by Semi

October 25, PALO ALTO, CA - 64 year old Richard Loza of Pittsburg, CA died when he was struck and run over by a semi that was backing up. Loza, an employee for G&S Paving of Oakley, was cleaning up at a paving site project when he was struck. Cal-OSHA is investigating.

Tragedy at Tire Shop

October 25, CAMDEN, NJ - an unidentified 33 year old father of three was killed in an industrial incident at 5 Points Tire & Auto Repair shop on Tuesday. Investigators say the worker was trying to cut a chain with a high-powered grinding wheel when, apparently, the wheel came loose and the blade shot into his chest.

Maintenance Worker Struck by Equipment

October 25, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN - 47 year old Patrick Porter of Pascagoula, MS died in an industrial incident at Nucor Steel Indiana in Crawfordsville. He was performing maintenance when he was reportedly struck by a forklift. Porter may have suffered cardiac arrest due to the incident and died an hour later at an area hospital.

Man Dies of Crushing Injuries

October 24, BETHLEHEM, PA - an unidentified 30 year old man suffered fatal crushing injuries Monday. The man was one of several working to prepare truck containers before being loaded on rail cars. The man was preparing a trailer when another operator moved a separate trailer and bumped a third, which pinned the man between two trailers. UPDATE: Authorities have identified Torren Kline as the worker who died in this incident.

Handyman Falls to His Death From Roof of Building

October 24, MIAMI, FL - An unidentified 41 year old man died after falling about 50 feet from the roof of an apartment building in Miami. There is no further information on this incident.

Sheriff Deputy Shot to Death

October 23, AUGUSTA, GA - 47 year old James D. Paugh, a motorcycle officer for Richmond County Sheriff's Department, was shot and killed when he went to investigate a suspicious vehicle on Augusta's Bobby Jones Expressway. Police say he was shot to death by a man who had been firing an assault rifle at vehicles on the highway. After shooting Paugh,the man killed himself.

Security Guard Killed on the Job

October 23, MEMPHIS, TN - An unidentified 41 year old man who was a security guard for Bent Tree Apartments in Winterhaven was shot and killed while on duty Sunday. Police are looking for suspects who they say the guard stopped for being suspicious before one of them shot him.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-10-25T08:41:00.000-05:00

Young Farmer Dies When Caught in Machinery

October 24, NEWVILLE, PA - 19 year old Mark Weaver died after he became tangled in a harvesting combine. Weaver was harvesting corn when the combine became clogged. He got out of the cab to clear the clog but became caught in the auger at the front of the machine. Weaver died on site of multiple traumatic injuries.

Farmer Dies in Equipment Incident

October 24, FAIRHAVEN, MI - 60 year old Merlin Yoder died Monday after an incident with farm machinery. The sheriff's office reports that Yoder died after becoming entrangled in a John Deere combine machine. Details to the circumstances were not given.

Janitor Found Shot Inside Office

October 23, SEARCY, AR - 24 year old Zachary Mitchell was shot to death Sunday while he was working inside the Nephrology Associates office. The same office where his mother worked. Mitchell was a janitor at the office and was there alone cleaning. Friends went by to visit Mitchell and discovered he had been shot. Now his family waits for answers. Police are investigating.

Man Collapses While Setting up For Wedding

October 22, SCHAUMBURG, IL - 29 year old Brett Anderson collapsed and died while he was setting up his DJ equipment for a wedding Saturday. Anderson who was also a bartender, had been a DJ for many years. Friends say he had a low grade fever for several days before he collapsed but do not know if that contributed to his fatal collapse.

Worker Dies of Head Trauma

October 22, CHICAGO, IL - 26 year old Marcos Canizales died Saturday of head injuries. Canizales, a Comcast employee, was working in the Humboldt Park neighborhood when he fell from a ladder and landed on his head. Canizales' co-workers called for help, and he was transported to an area hospital where he died.

Worker Killed on Road Construction Project

October 22, GREAT FALLS, MT - 31 year old Jacob Wayne Fellman was killed Saturday while working on a road construction project on Black Eagle Road. Fellman was died after being struck by a dump truck. Fellman was employed by United Materials.

Firefighter Dies of Unknown Cause

October 22, FAIRFAX, VA - 49 year old Horace Pendergrass was found dead inside a bunkroom of the Fairfax County Crosspointe Fire Station Saturday. No cause of death is known but authorities do not feel the circumstances were suspicious.

Worker Dies in Fall From Building Roof

October 22, JACKSONVILLE, FL - 52 year old Thomas Patrick Weisflog of St. Augustine died Saturday after falling from the roof of the St. John's County jail building. Weisflog, an employee for K.P. Meiring Company, was working on the building when he fell. He was lifeflighted to a hospital where he died.

Taxi Driver Killed in Dispute With Passenger

October 22, PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, MD - 40 year old Domingo Ezirike died after being shot by a passenger who argued with him over the fair for a ride. After the passenger did not pay the final $.75 of the fair, the two got into an argument and the passenger ended up shooting Ezirike before running off. The suspect has been arrested.

Worker Crushed Under Runaway Rail Car

October 21, SAN ANTONIO, TX - 27 year old Mario Perales died after being crushed under a rail car that he tried to stop. Perales was a team leader for Green Metals, a recycling company on Toyota property. According to a police report, Perales was running after a train car that got loose, to try to pull the emergency brake. Police say because it was dark Perales may not have seen clearly what was happening and the car derailed and fell onto him.

Family Owned Business Owner Dies in Incident

October 21, OHIO, IL - 41 year old Bill Sisler died after being pinned under a wall he was attempting to move Friday. He was part of the Sisler Dairy Products/Ice Cream Co. and was working at the plant. Authorities say the plant has walls that can move to make a room smaller or larger. It appears as if Sisler was on a ladder, removing screws from the wall so he could move it, when the wall fell, hitting the ladder and ultimately pinning Sisler underneath the wall.

Sanitation Worker Dies in Explosion

October 21, FLORENCE, KY - an unidentified man died of head injuries and a co-worker injured when a explosion occurred inside a manhole. The crew was performing contract work for Sanitation District 1 and were inside a manhole testing seams on a sewer pipe. The crew was using a rubber bladder pressurized with air to test the seams in the pipe, but the bladder gave way and caused the explosion. It appears the crew worked for Lawrence Construction.

Driver Dies at Geothermal Steamfield

October 20, LAKE COUNTY, CA - 57 year old Eugene "Corky" Bracisco died as the result of a work truck crash near Calpine's The Geyser's geothermal steamfield Thursday. He missed an afternoon meeting and his wife reported that he didn't come home after work, so a search began for Bracisco. The search eventually located Bracisco's work truck, which had slipped down into a ravine on Calpine property just over the Sonoma County line. The Lake County Sheriff's report said Bracisco had died by the time he was found.

Hotel Owner Murdered by Someone He was Helping

October 20, GOSHEN, IN - 51 year old Kiran "Ken" Patel was found dead inside one of his hotel rooms after family couldn't find him. Patel was owner of the Garden Inn as well as other properties and he was known for helping homeless people get back on their feet by allowing them to stay in one of his hotel rooms. Patel was murdered by one of those homeless people who he had hired to help with a renovation project and allowed to stay on property while he was working. The man accused of murdering Patel has been arrested.

Man Dies of Injuries in Fall

October 20, BUCKHANNON, WV - 44 year old Mike Atkinson of Pennsylvania died of injuries he suffered Oct. 17. Atkinson fell 40 feet to the bottom of a silo while doing routine maintenance at the Weyerhaeuser wood products plant on TJM Drive. Atkinson was performing the work while the plant was shut down.

Logging Incident Kills Man

October 20, FILLMORE, MN - 60 year old Kenneth Erding suffered fatal crushing injuries when a tree fell onto him while logging. There was evidence that Erding had partially cut at least one tree and was cutting another when the tree fell on top of him. Moderate winds may have caused the tree to fall.

Underwater Welder Dies When Equipment Tangles

October 19, GARRISON, ND - 32 year old Joseph Gould of Brook Park, MN drowned Wednesday in Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. Gould was installing pipe 125 feet below the surface of the lake when his equipment became entangled. A co-worker tried unsuccessfully to free him, and he was unable to surface. Gould was employed by Midco Diving Co. out of Rapid City, SD.

Worker Identified

October 19, MINNETRISTA, MN - 61 year old Mark W. Allen of Wayzata has been identified as the worker who was crushed in a garbage truck. Co-workers found Allen pinned in the hydraulic arm of a garbage truck when they showed up at Blackowiak Disposal Wednesday morning. Allen was listed as an unidentified worker in last week's Weekly Toll.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-10-21T07:29:00.000-05:00

Bridge Worker Suffers Fatal Head Injuries

October 20, WARRENSBURG, NY - 62 year old John "Jack" Lattimore of Schroon Lake died after suffering head trauma while performing maintenance on the Glen Bridge. Lattimore, a Dept.of Transportation employee, was in a lift bucket of a boom truck working under the bridge when his head was struck by a steel beam. Authorities say Lattimore was wearing a safety harness and helmet when the incident occurred.

Worker Killed in Garage Incident

October 19, MARSHFIELD, MA - 39 year old Brian Fosdick died Wednesday while working in the garage of a septic services company. Fosdick was found lying next to a septic truck at All-Town Inc. and it appears he suffered blunt force trauma to the forehead while doing some kind of tire changing work on an industrial truck. Police and OSHA are conducting an investigation.

Man Pinned by Equipment Dies

October 19, MINNETRISTA, MN - an unidentified 61 year old man was killed Wednesday when he became trapped the hydraulics of a garbage truck. An employee for Blackowiak & Son, the man was found pinned in the hydraulic arm of the garbage truck, according to Minnetrista police.

Contractor Dies in Fall

October 19, NORTH KINGSTON, RI - 44 year old Juan Molina of Central Falls died after falling from the roof he was repairing at Senesco Marine on Wednesday. Molina was killed when he stepped on a plank that broke in half and he fell 47 feet. He was repairing damage caused to the building by Hurricane Irene.

Power Company Employee Electrocuted

October 18, NACOGDOCHES, TX - 21 year old Aaron Sullender of Broaddus died Tuesday after being electrocuted while working on lines between Nacogdoches and Garrison. Sullender, an employee for Deep East Texas Electric Corp. was working on the line on County Road 1362, following Tuesday's storm, when he came in contact with a high-voltage line. He was transported to an area hospital where he died of his injuries.

Worker Dies in Trench Collapse

October 18, BISMARCK, ND - 41 year old Troy Thurlby died and another worked injured in a trench collapse Tuesday. The incident happened as a crew was working on a water line near Menoken. Thurlby's employer was Advanced Plumbing & Heating Inc. No further details are available.

Taxi Driver Found Murdered

October 18, CHESTERFIELD, VA - 49 year old Peter J. Ambrister of Colonial Heights was found dead inside his Boulevard Cab Company vehicle. Police are investigating and looking for anyone with information.

Worker Thrown From Bucket Truck

October 18, QUINCY, MA - 58 year old Robert DeCristofaro of Braintree died after being thrown from a bucket truck. Decristofaro, a Quincy City employee, was up in the bucket of a rented truck when the driver of an 18-wheeler hit the truck, sending DeCristofaro to the ground. He was transported to an area hospital where he died. OSHA is investigating.

Man Killed in Tractor Rollover

October 18, DANVILLE, VA - 39 year old William Edgar Burden died after the tractor he was operating overturned and pinned him underneath. Burden and another man were removing metal from abandoned mobile home sites when the accident occurred.

Station Clerk Shot to Death

October 17, WASHINGTON, DC - Mohammed Abduselam was gunned down by one of two gunmen who entered the Kink Gas Convenience store to rob it. Abduselam was re-stocking shelves when two men entered the store. When Abduselam saw one of the men had a gun, he stepped outside to call 9-1-1. One of the gunmen followed him outside and shot him.

Surface Miner Killed in Equipment Incident

October 17, CHARLESTON, WV - 62 year old Charles McIntire died Monday when he was struck and run over by a large piece of equipment at Consol Energy's Shoemaker Mine. A report states that McIntire was operating a machine used to dig trenches when it reached a gap in a trolley wire and didn't coast through. McIntire got off the machine and put a jumper cable on the wire. An eyewitness reported that the machine moved forward suddenly when McIntire connected the jumper cable to it and ran over him.

Truck Driver Killed in Truck Rollover

October 17, WALLA WALLA, WA - 51 year old Kevin Bruce Hensley of Bowie, AZ was killed when his tractor trailer crashed Monday near Walla Walla. For an unknown reason Hensley crossed the center line, but then he overcorrected the semi which caused it to overturn and slide off the highway into a field.

Employee Dies of Medical Issue While on Duty

October 16, LEVITTOWN, NY - 56 year old Frank Mazza died Sunday after suffering a medical issue at a football game on Saturday. Mazza, an employee for Division Avenue High School, suffered a brain aneurysm while working security at the school's home football game. He died Sunday at an area hospital. Mazza was well known and loved for his involvement in his community.

Restaurant Owner Succumbs to Toxic Fumes

October 16, MIAMI, FL - 50 year old Tomas Gil died after he was exposed to toxic fumes in a septic tank outside of Esther's Restaurant in North Miami, Sunday. Gil was inside the septic tank outside the restaurant when other workers heard him scream for help. An employee who was unaware of the dangers went inside to help Gil but was also overcome by the fumes. Rescue workers pulled the men from the space but Gil later died at the hospital. The employee was treated and released.

On Duty Officer Killed by Intoxicated Driver

October 16, MT. ARLINGTON, NJ - 38 year old Mount Arlington Police Officer Joseph Wargo was killed in a crash early Sunday morning. Wargo was on patrol when a driver believed to be under the influence lost control of his car, crossed the median and slammed into Wargo's cruiser. Wargo was transported to an area hospital when he died. The driver of the car is under arrest.

Indy Race Car Driver Dies in Fiery Crash

October 16, LAS VEGAS, NV - 33 year old Dan Weldon of England died in a horrific multi-vehicle crash during the 13th lap of the Indy 300 auto race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas on Sunday. As cars raced down the track, one and then another began to spin and at some point Weldon's car went airborne and crashed into a side concrete wall. He was airlifted to a local hospital where he died of unsurvivable injuries a few hours later. Several other drivers were treated for their injuries.

Tractor Trailer Slams Into Car & Tow Vehicle, Kills All

October 16, WELLS, NV - 20 year old Jesse John Pengelly of Wells and a couple from Washington state were killed in the early hours of Sunday morning. Pengelly was in the process of loading the couple's car onto his tow vehicle when the driver of a tractor trailer slammed into the back of the disabled vehicle, killing the couple. Their car was then propelled up over the back of the tow truck and hit Pengelly. Pengelly was transported to a Utah hospital where he died.

Construction Worker Suffers Fatal Head Injuries

October 15, SIOUX CITY, IA - 35 year old Jorge Ramon Morales of North Sioux City died after he was struck by falling masonry on a job site. Morales was working on a construction addition to Heelan Hall at Briar Cliff University. Details on the circumstances were not given.

Tractor Trailer Driver Killed in Crash

October 15, LEXINGTON, NC - 53 year old Frank Peter Childs of Greenville died Saturday from injuries received in a crash of his Estes Express Lines semi. For an unknown reason, Childs ran into the back of an SUV which caused his semi to run off the road. It hit several trees before turning over and ignited on fire. Childs died at the scene.

Forest Service Employee Found Dead

October 14, PORTLAND, OR - 64 year old James Proctor was found collapsed on a trail by Larch Mountain Road by two hikers Friday. Proctor, a U.S. Forest Service employee, was found unconscious and unresponsive on Multnomah Creek trail and emergency responders were unable to revive him. The exact cause of Mr. Proctor's death is unknown at this time.

Man Murders Co-Worker

October 14, MOUNTAIN LAKES, NJ - 47 year old Christine Capone King of Oak Ridge died Friday at the hands of a co-worker. King was the office manager & secretary of the Exit Realty Gold Service office in Mountain Lakes. For an unknown reason, a co-worker and seemingly friend, walked into the office and shot King while she was sitting at her desk. The man was subsequently shot to death by officers who he engaged in an exchange of gunfire in a parking lot outside the office.

Man Dies Two Days After Brother From Toxic Exposure

October 14, ARVIN, CA - 22 year old Eladio Rameriz has died, two days after his 16 year old brother Armando died, both of toxic fumes exposure at a recycling facility. Eladio was a contract worker of A&B Harvesting working at the Community Recycling facility. Both young men, and another worker, were inside a confined space at the facility when they were overcome by the toxic fumes. According to reports, the workers were not given the proper safety equipment to do the job they were doing. Armando's death was reported in last week's Weekly Toll.

Fast Food Worker Shot to Death

October 14, LANSING, MI - 21 year old Marcus Schrauben was shot to death by an armed gunman who attempted to rob the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant he was working at. The gunman entered the store and shot Schrauben who then ran outside the restaurant where he collapsed.

Tow Truck Driver Struck and Killed

October 14, RUTHERFORD, NJ - 51 year old Mark Angelo of Lyndhurst died after being struck by a vehicle while loading a car onto his Nick's Towing tow truck. Angelo was hoisting a car on a Route 17 ramp in Rutherford when he was hit by a tractor trailer after 1:30AM. An investigation is underway. UPDATE: More information on this incident can be found HERE.

Fiery Semi Crash Kills Driver

October 14, HOUSTON, TX - 45 year old Michael Winfield died after his tractor trailer rig crashed at a Sam Houston Tollway. Winfield lost control of his truck which slammed into a concrete barrier, went airborne and landed on top of another vehicle at the tollway, killing its driver. After hitting the SUV, both it and the semi burst into flames trapping the SUV driver.

Truck Driver Suffers Medical Event Before Crash

October 14, MACKINAW CITY, MI - Randolph Smith suffered an apparent heart attack while driving on the Mackinac Bridge Friday. Smith was unconscious when he traveling across 4 lanes of traffic, hitting one vehicle head on. No other injuries were reported. The crash is still under investigation.

Construction Worker Suffers Fatal Injuries

October 14, KEYES, OK - 48 year old Danny J. Stump of Guymon Friday after he was run over by a road construction vehicle. Stump was stringing line in a construction zone on State Highway 171 near Keyes when he was run over by the right wheel tires of a Peterbilt truck. The machine was backing down the roadway. Stump died at the scene.

Worker Dies After Being Pinned at Food Plant

October 13, LODI, CA - 53 year old Gary Lawce died in a rail car incident at the Lodi General Mills plant Thursday. Police said Lawce tried to stop a moving rail car by setting a brake but the car continued to roll, pinning him. Lawce was taken to an area hospital but did not survive his injuries.

Tree Service Worker Fatally Electrocuted

October 13, NEW HOPE, VA - 43 year old John R. Bowden of Craigsville was fatally electrocuted when he came into contact with live electrical wires. Bowden was in a bucket truck, clearing tree limbs near a power line running along Middle Lane Road, when the accident occurred. Bowden worked for Asplundh Tree Service who had been hired by Dominion Virginia Power to clear the tree limbs. He got tangled up in power line according to the sheriff.

Man Suffers Fatal Chainsaw Injuries

October 13, ROCKDALE, GA - 40 year old Pedro Martinez-Torres died Thursday after an incident involving a chain saw. Martinez-Torres was working in a tree and was later found by the property owner unconscious in the tree. He had cuts on his face and head. The homeowner noticed blood on the ground when he arrived at the home and called emergency responders. Martinez-Torres died on the scene.

Glider Pilot Killed Making Commercial

October 13, CLE ELUM, WA - 53 year old William Weller of Tukwila was killed after his glider crashed Thursday during the shooting of a General Motors commercial in Cle Elum. With a helicopter shooting the action from above, the aircraft crashed into trees immediately after takeoff, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Weller owned Northwest Eagle Soaring and the production company filming the commercial is Supply & Demand Integrated of Los Angeles.

Man Dies in Farming Incident

October 13, ALEXANDRIA, MN - 50 year old Lyndon Wilberg died Thursday when the farm tractor he was driving rolled over. No details on how the incident happened were given. Wilberg farmed for 10 years in Nora Township and for the past 18 years owned and operated his own residential construction company.

Tower Technician Dies From Fall

October 12, NEWTON, MA - 30 year old Matthew D. Goodner of Fort Dodge, IA died in a fall from a communications tower west of Boston on Wednesday. Goodner worked for a subcontractor doing work at the American Tower Corp. structure where the crew were placing a new antenna pole and safety ladder. It is unclear how far Goodner fell but the tower is 1,000 feet tall.

Worker Dies of Heat Related Stress

October 12, NIMPOMO, CA - 41 year old Jesse Maldonado died after falling ill while working of the Willow Road Interchange Project in Nimpomo. While working Maldonado complained of feeling ill. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital where he died. Cal-OSHA is investigating his death as a heat related incident.

Beloved Sign Holder Dies in Hit and Run

October 10, NAPLES, FL - 49 year old Stephen "Lugnut" Duzick died of multiple injuries when he was struck by a suspected drunk driver while working to advertise a local restaurant by holding a sign. Although "Lugnut" was a Little Person, he was a huge favorite of so many people in his community and loved by all. The man accused of hitting Duzick was arrested and faces multiple charges.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-10-14T10:21:00.000-05:00

Workers Drown as Truck Plunges Into River

October 13, PLUMAS COUNTY, CA - 29 year old Ryan Patrick Miles and 31 year old Aaron Joseph Weiss of Chico, drowned and two co-workers survived after their Pacific Gas & Electric truck went out of control and plunged into Rock Creek Reservoir. The crew were working in Carabou all day and were on their way back into town when the driver lost control, sending the truck into the water.

Oil Rig Incident Claims Worker's Life

October 13, EL DORADO, OK - Cecil Haley of Electra, TX was the victim of an oil rig incident Thursday at Big Rig Drilling. According to one report, Haley was on a construction elevator about 90 feet in the air, connecting two 1,600 lbs pipes. Authorities say that somehow the pressure of the pipes caused some of the supporting equipment, called fingers, to bend, which sent one of the huge pipes back toward the worker. It hit him and it appears that he was killed by the impact. This report is a further update.

Construction Worker Dies in Fall

October 13, MANHATTAN, NY - an unidentified 33 year old man died after falling six stories inside an Upper West Side church. The worker was installing a safety net under the roof of the church when police say he may have lost his footing after receiving an electric shock. The man was working with a partner and may have received the shock while drilling into the sub ceiling to anchor the net.

Fiery Crash Kills Truck Driver

October 13, GASTONIA, NC - 45 year old Eric Fitzgerald Lee of Greenville died Thursday in a fiery crash with another tractor trailer near Gastonia. Traffic was at a near stand still on I-85 due to detours in both directions. Lee apparently did not slow down in time and slammed into the back of another semi, triggering an explosion of a ruptured fuel tank. Lee was able to escape the inferno and the other driver, from Texas, was taken to an area hospital.

Out of Control Car Kills Two in Work Zone

October 13, BURNSVILLE, MN - 44 year old Ronald Rajkowski of St. Joseph and 47 year old Craig Carlson of Ramsey died after an out of control driver crashed into them on Interstate 35-W. The driver of the car slowed down for road construction but after coming too close to a barrier wall he lost control and spun into a ditch where it struck Rajkowski and Carlson. The men worked for Egan Company doing work for MNPASS project.

Farmer Killed as Tractor Rolls Into Ravine

October 13, ENTERPRISE, LA - 72 year old Larry Hitt died Thursday in a farming incident. Hitt was operating a tractor and for an unknown reason the tractor rolled down into a ravine. Hitt died on the scene.

Officer Run Down by Bank Robbery Suspects

October 13, WALKER, MI - 41 year old Officer Trevor Slot died Thursday when he was run over and killed by suspects in an alleged bank robbery in Muskegon County. He was deployed stop sticks in an attempt to stop the get away vehicle. The Walker police chief confirmed one of her officers had been killed in the line of duty and said an investigation continues. The bank robbers were both shot and killed by police during a gun battle after crashing their vehicle.

Mass Shooting Claims Six Worker Lives

October 13, SEAL BEACH, CA - An angry ex-husband of a Seal Beach Salon Meritage employee walked into the business on Wednesday and opened fire. He shot six employees inside the shop. He also killed one patron and one man in the parking lot as he left the business. Following are the employees who were killed in the rampage:
48 year old Michelle Marie Fournier of Los Alamitos. Her ex-husband was the gunman.
46 year old Laura Lee Elody of Huntington Beach.
63 year old Randy Lee Fannin of Murrieta, owner of the salon.
Michelle Daschback Fast of Seal Beach.
Christy Lynn Wilson of Cerritos.
54 year old Victoria Ann Buzzo of Laguna Beach.

Road Worker Struck Down by Truck

October 12, COWPENS, SC - 47 year old Apolonio Esteban Ortela of Greer suffered fatal internal injuries when he was hit by a truck while working along I-85 near Cowpens. Ortela was working with a crew from Tree of Life Landscaping, weed-eating along the roadway when the driver of a truck and trailer lost control and drove into the workers. The other workers were taken to a local hospital. Tree of Life was hired by the South Carolina Dept. of Transportation to do the work along the interstate.

Cement Truck Driver Dies in Crash

October 12, LA HONDA, CA - 62 year old Fred Gunther Eisenstaedt of Dublin was killed when the cement truck he was driving rolled into a creek bed. No other details are available and the crash is under investigation.

Cornered Fugitive Opens Fire, Killing One Officer

October 12, LOWER BURRELL, PA - 40 year old Patrolman Derek Kotecki was shot and killed by a fugitive he and other officers were attempting to arrest. The fugitive has been on the run after making threats against the department's officers and other crimes. Officers received a tip he would be a Dairy Queen and when they arrived, the man stepped out of his vehicle and began shooting. Kotecki was struck by the gunfire, and the fugitive was also killed.

Master Electrician Electrocuted

October 12, CENTERVILLE, MN - an unidentified 47 year old man from White Bear Lake was electrocuted Wednesday while working on the Central Bank in Centerville. An employee for L&D Sign, the man was working on an outdoor sign when the incident occurred. It appears it was raining while he was working. OSHA is investigating. UPDATE: A report has identified Thomas Michael Gamboni as the worker who died in this incident.

Teen Worker Dies in Confined Space of Toxic Exposure, Brother Brain Dead

October 12, ARVIN, CA - 16 year old Armando Ramirez of Arvin died, and two other workers injured, after apparently inhaling hydrogen sulfide in a drainage tunnel at Community Recycling & Resource recycling company in Lamont. The victims were at the bottom of an eight-foot underground shaft linked to a drainage system. It is unclear if the workers were given breathing equipment, but emergency workers had to clear the air and wear breathing masks to get the workers out. Ramirez died at the hospital. Reports say one worker may have been employed by A&B Harvesting, but did not say which worker. More information on this incident can be found here and here.

Worker Falls to His Death From Roof

October 12, LIMA, OH - 54 year old Frankie Cousey died after falling from the roof of Superior Forge building while working Wednesday. Cousey was an employee for Centimark Corporation who was subcontracted to do work on the Superior Forge building. The incident is under investigation.

Store Clerk Shot During Robbery

October 12, TAMPA, FL - 53 year old Marilyn Tejada was shot and killed Wednesday during a robbery of Sam's Food Mart. Tejada had worked at the store for five years and felt like she knew all the patrons. That's why the owner believes she left open a bullet proof door that would have protected her against the gunman.

Man Killed as Tractor Topples Down Ski Slope

October 11, UNION DALE, PA - 49 year old Wayne Tietz of Herrick Center died when the tractor he was operating at the top of a mountain at Elk Mountain Ski Resort rolled down a slope. According to police, the tractor rolled over several times down the Tunkhannock Slope at the resort.

Metro Worker Dies of Head Injuries

October 11, HOUSTON, TX - 45 year old Chung T. Luu died of head injuries Tuesday. Luu, a maintenance worker at Rail Operations Center of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, was on board a slowly moving rail car and stuck his head out the door, hitting a support beam. It was unclear why Luu had put his head outside the train, which was being moved into a service lane for repairs.

Man Dies of Burns When Tank Explodes

October 11, NEWPORT, NH - 68 year old Clifton Labounty Jr. suffered fatal burns when he was attempting to drain the gas tank of a truck. Labounty operated a scrap metal business at his home and he and his son were using a power drill to drain the tank. They had used this method many times, but this time the fumes from the tank ignited.

Industrial Incident Claims Life of Worker

October 10, RICHARDSON, TX - 54 year old Roy Aguilar died in an industrial incident at the Texas Instrument facility in Richardson on Monday. Firefighters responded to a report of a water purifier explosion at a TI unit. Police say Aguilar was impaled by some type of glass.

Worker Killed in Collision With Semi

October 10, LAMAR, CO - 23 year old Joshua Owens of Pueblo died and his co-worker injured when their plumbing van crossed traffic and collided into the side of a tractor-trailer rig. The collision caused the van to spin around and land on its side.

Fabrication Worker Dies of Head Injuries

October 10, HOUMA, LA - 22 year old Mark Naquin of Montegut died Monday when he was hit in the head by a cable that came loose while moving metal sheet piling. Naquin, an employee for Gulf Island Fabrication, was among workers moving the pilings, which weigh about 700 pounds each. OSHA will be investigating.

Big Rig Driver Dies in Crash

October 10, BAKERSFIELD, CA - 76 year old Charles Edward Larson was killed Monday when the tractor trailer full of sand overturned, crushing the cab. Larson was traveling on Highway 46 when a driver of a car crossed lanes and slammed head on into Larson's truck. The impact caused Larson's trailer to overturn, spilling its load and then the truck cab overturned and was crushed.

Sewer Worker Apparently Overcome by Fumes

October 10, MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO - 46 year old Daniel Accola of Robertsville died while working in an 18 foot sewer confined space. Accola and two others were working in the area when Accola became unresponsive. When a second worker came to check on Accola he became light headed. Rescue workers were called and the two workers were transported to the hospital while Accola was pronounced dead.

Taxi Driver Murdered by Passenger

October 10, SAN ANTONIO, TX - John Dexter was shot to death by an 18 year old passenger on Monday. Dexter picked up the man and took him to a home. After going up to the door of the house, the man walked back to the taxi and shot Dexter several times. Police know who their suspect is and are looking for him.

Skydiving Instructor Dies When Parachute Malfunctions

October 9, MESQUITE, NV - 60 year old James Fonnesbeck of St George, UT and his 75 year old tandem student died when their parachute did not fully deploy and the back-up chute became tangled in the main chute during a birthday celebration jump for the 75 year old grandmother. Fonnesbeck, of Skydive Mesquite was a 40 year veteran skydiver.

Nursery Owner Dies in Equipment Accident

October 9, FRANKFORT, KY - 61 year old Ren Heard, owner of Lake Tree Farm LLC, died when the bulldozer he was driving flipped over into the Kentucky River near Frankfort on Sunday. Heard was digging a water-line trench when the bank of the river may have given way, causing the bulldozer to flip upside down into the river. Boaters on the river noticed parts of the bulldozer sticking out of the water and called authorities. Heard drowned in the incident.

Man Trapped Under Truck Dies

October 8, MANHEIM, PA - 57 year old Jeff Rotella of Syracuse, NY was crushed under a truck he was trying to load at an auto auction Sunday. Rotella became trapped on Friday while loading vehicles onto a car carrier at the Manheim Auto Auction. A pick-up truck fell on him, pinning him underneath. He died at a local hospital Saturday of those injuries.

Tractor Trailer Driver Dies in Truck Rollover

October 8, DOUGHERTY, IA - 52 year old Marlin Hanson of Mason City died Saturday in a rollover accident near Doughtery. Hanson was driving a truck hauling a trailer full of grain when for an unknown reason the truck rolled, landing on its roof in a ditch.

Police Officer Dies Trying to Stop Car

October 7, GRENADA, MS - 50 year old Capt. John Wayne Haddock died when he was struck by the car he was attempting to stop Friday. Haddock was setting out spike strips when the fleeing suspects in the car struck him, throwing him 200 feet by the impact.

Miner Dies in Bridge Collapse

October 7, PARTRIDGE, KY - 23 year old Richard Coots Jr. of Ages has died after an incident at a mine of Maggard Branch of Owlco Energy in Partridge. Coots was repairing a conveyor chain when the bridge inside the coal mine that the belt runs through collapsed on top of him. Coots brother was part of the crew that brought him out of the mine.

Store Employee Killed During Robbery

October 7, HAINES CITY, FL - 20 year old Jaime Magana Jr. was fatally shot by two men who robbed the store. Subsequent reports state the two armed robbers have been arrested in Magana's murder.

Worker Hit and Killed on Construction Site

October 7, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA - 82 year old John J. Hanson of Castleton, NY was killed Friday when he was struck and run over by a piece of construction equipment. Hanson worked for a subcontractor at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. Police and OSHA are conducting an investigation.

Tree Trimmer Dies in Fall

October 7, LAKE SHERWOOD, CA - 56 year old Agustin Valladares of Arleta died Friday after he fell while trimming trees in Lake Sherwood. Valladares, owner of Agustin Valladares Tree Trimming, was trimming the branches of an oak tree when the branch he was standing on broke, authorities said. He fell about 30 feet to a concrete driveway.

Construction Worker Found Dead on Site

October 6, CARTHAGE, TX - 51 year old Mark D. Blake of Lufkin was found dead on the construction site at Libby Elementary School campus. The manner or cause of death has not been disclosed. Blake worked for J.E. Kingham Construction.

Farm Laborer Crushed in Equipment

October 5, SALINAS, CA - 39 year old Eliseo Garcia Gutierrez died while working with a crew harvesting lettuce. Gutierrez was picking lettuce and placing it on a conveyor belt running across a large metal crop harvester. He was crushed between the tractor, being driven by another worker, and the harvesting equipment.

Months After Beating, Security Guard Dies of Injuries

September 29, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL - 61 year old Jacques Novembre has died of beating injuries he received back on July 14. Novembre, an unarmed security guard, attempted to stop thieves from stealing approximately $20. of copper-containing devices at the back of the Promenade Shopping Plaza. When Novembre confronted the thieves, he was assaulted. He was hospitalized since the assault.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-10-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

Worker Killed on Construction Site

October 6, DECATUR, TX - 43 year old Jeffery Stackhouse of Azle died of unspecified injuries while working in a construction zone on U.S. 380 near Decatur. Officials say Stackhouse died at the scene of blunt force injuries.

Semi Hits Farm Tractor, Kills Driver

October 6, BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MN - 78 year old Robert Long was killed when his farm tractor was hit by a semi. Long was pulling a grain trailer and was just making a left hand turn onto a road at the same time the semi driver attempted to pass the tractor. Long died at the scene.

Road Construction Flagger Struck by Car

October 6, INDIANAPLOIS, IN - 43 year old Juan Hernandez Rosas died after being struck by an out of control car in a road construction zone. Rosas' son was working a crane when he saw his father hit and administered aide until EMS could arrive. The construction was taking place at 30th Street and Franklin Road.

Worker Who Fell Has Died of Injuries

October 6, KEENE, NH - 58 year old Steven Sawyer of Dublin has died of injuries he suffered in a fall Sept. 22. Sawyer was working for The MacMillin Co., General Contractor for construction of the Keene Middle School, when he fell 35-40 feet from scaffolding. He was in critical condition until he passed Thursday.

Transportation Worker Electrocuted

October 5, ELLENDALE, DE - 24 year old Eric T. Givens of Laurel died Wednesday morning while working at Delaware's Department of Transportation Ellendale yard. Givens was operating a large grass-cutting tractor that got caught on a metal guy wire anchoring a utility pole. When Givens got off the tractor and grabbed the guy wire to shake it loose, it made contact with a live electrical wire and the shock knocked him to the ground.

Well Drilling Turned Deadly for Worker

October 5, HAMPDEN, CT - 61 year old Martin Peterson of Vernon died Wednesday while he was attempting to drill a well when the area where Peterson was working collapsed underneath him, turning the ground into a pool of mud and water. Co-workers used every means available to rescue him but he continued to lose grip and sink down further. OSHA is investigating.

Tractor Trailer Driver Loses Control and Crashes

October 5, FLAG POND, TN - 58 year old Robert Thomas Duncan of Holly Hill, SC was killed Wednesday when he lost control of his semi on a curve, crashing on Interstate 26. After hitting a guard rail the cab and trailer separated and both rolled several times, crushing part and tearing off part of the cab's roof.

Worker Killed in Industrial Incident

October 5, SCRIBA, NY - 46 year old Edward M. Carvey of Hannibal died of injuries he received Tuesday while operating machinery at Novelis Inc, an aluminum rolling plant. The nature of his injuries were not reported and he died Wednesday at an area hospital.

Three Killed in Murderous Rampage by Co-Worker

October 5, CUPERTINO, CA - 59 year old Mark Munoz, 51 year old John Vallejos, both of San Jose and 48 year old Manuel Pinon of Newman were gunned down as they sat inside a trailer preparing for a safety meeting Wednesday morning. Six other employees were wounded in the rampage at the Lehigh Southwest Cement Permanente plant in Cupertino. The gunman, a co-worker, came into the meeting and then left to retrieve guns. When he returned to the meeting he opened fire.

Worker Dies of Exposure to Toxic Fumes

October 4, GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI - 50 year old Thomas Issac died Tuesday when he was overcome by fumes after responding to a gas leak. Issac worked for DTE Energy and had responded to a report of a leak and was placing a flow seal clamp over the hole in the line when it ruptured. A co-worker found him slumped over in a 5-foot hole with gas rapidly escaping from a ruptured pipe.

Road Construction Worker Struck and Killed

October 4, DRAPER, UT - 31 year old Dallas Prokopis of Magna died after he was struck by a dump truck on Sept. 29. Due to a miscommunication between workers, Prokopis was hit on northbound I-15 while he was moving traffic barrels, according to police. Other workers had cleared the lane further up the freeway and Prokopis hadn't expected traffic to be in the lane. The dump truck driver stopped and called 911.

Rollover Crash Kills Civilian Employee

October 4, FORT CARSON, CO - 56 year old Terry Miller was killed and his co-worker wife was injured, in a car accident on Fort Carson's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. Miller was a long time Fort Carson civilian employee. Miller's wife is expected to recover. She was also an employee at Fort Carson.

Worker Crushed Under Falling Tree

October 4, KOUNTZE, TX - 40 year old Larry Dean Price of Lumberton died after he was crushed under a fallen tree. Price was using a rope to guide a tree's fall when it accidentally hit another tree according to the sheriff. The top of the other tree then fell down, striking Price as he tried to get out of the way. He was taken to an area hospital where he died of his injuries.

Man Dies in Forklift Incident

October 4, MONTROSE, IA - 46 year old John M. Horner died Tuesday in an incident involving a forklift. Horner was operating an industrial sized forklift and when he crested a steep hill it apparently stopped and rolled back. It then overturned into a ditch. Horner either jumped or was thrown from the machine and it struck him causing fatal injuries.

Tractor Trailer Driver Dies in Crash

October 4, CHARLESTON, SC - 51 year old David Payton of Greenville, NC died when his semi crashed on I-95 in Colleton County. For an unknown reason Payton's truck went into the median and flipped. He was pinned under the vehicle and died at the scene.

Farmer Dies After Being Pinned by Equipment

October 4, NEVADA, IA - 50 year old Danny Lester Christie was killed Tuesday when he became pinned between farm equipment. Investigators say it's believed that Christie was disassembling the machine to sell for scrap when it collapsed on him, pinning him between the auger and the disassembled supports.

Police Officer Found Dead of Unknown Cause

October 3, ANAMOSA, IA - 34 year old Officer David Riches was found dead on a pedestrian bridge by the entrance to Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa. Authorities do not yet know the cause or manner of Riches death but say it is not suspicious. His patrol car was found near the bridge after he went on duty at midnight.

Driver of Semi Dies in Crash

October 3, FREEMONT, MO - 39 year old Carl R. Besher of Piedmont died Monday in a crash of his Freightliner truck. Besher was driving down Route J when he lost control on a curve and the truck overturned. Police say he was not wearing a seat belt.

Public Safety Officer Dies on Duty

October 2, WASHINGTON, DC - 66 year old Rudolph Speller, a beloved Dept. of Public Safety Officer for The Catholic University of America, died of heart failure while making rounds in Caldwell Hall. He had just reported that a parking lot he patrolled was clear and was heading to Caldwell Hall on foot. After other officers could not get a response from Speller they went looking for him and found him unconscious. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Injured Recycling Worker Dies

October 1, NORTHHAMPTON, PA - 40 year old Luis Castellan of Allentown died of injuries he received when a large bale of recycling material fell on him. Castellan worked for Greenstar Recycling-Todd Heller Inc. OSHA is investigating.

Tow Truck Driver Struck and Killed

October 1, BEAUFORT, SC - 55 year old Denise Peeples Smith and her friend Phyllis Cook were killed when they were struck along I-95 near the Coosawhatchie exit. Smith, owner of East Coast Recovery, was attempting to load a disabled vehicle in the emergency lane when the driver of a truck veered off the road and struck the vehicle being loaded, which then slammed into them. Cook, riding along to keep her friend company, was killed instantly and Smith died later at an area hospital.

School Crossing Guard Hit by Truck

October 1, CHESAPEAKE, VA - 35 year old Lovette Person died after being hit by a truck Monday while working as a school crossing guard. The driver of the truck was partially blinded by the sun and did not see Person in the street. Person was a civilian employee for the Police Department.

Two Die in Truck Crash

October 1, DELCO, ID - 68 year old John O. Tolman of Heyburn and 33 year old Cynthia I. McVey of Fernley, NV were killed when the driver lost control after hitting cows in a roadway Saturday. The Transystems truck loaded with sugar beets went off the road and into some trees after hitting the cows. The incident is under investigation.

Dump Truck Driver Dies in Crash

October 1, HANOVER, MN - 45 year old David Peterson was killed when the dump truck he was driving crashed. The state patrol says Peterson lost control of the dump truck he was driving and hit four parked cars (unoccupied) on a frontage road. The dump truck ended up on its side.

Barbershop Owner Shot to Death

October 1, BROOKLYN, NY - 38 year old Warren Billings was shot to death by a gunman who walked into his store and shot him in front of several customers. Neighbors say he was in an argument with a man Friday night but do not know if that person is the one responsible for Billings' murder Saturday.

Road Worker Struck and Killed

September 30, JOLIET, IL - 28 year old Randy J. Lehnus of Kankakee died after being struck by a truck on a road construction site in Will County. Lehnus was standing in a construction zone after getting out of the piece of heavy equipment he was driving died when a truck also working on the project backed over him, police said.

Wildlife Officer Found Shot to Death

September 30, ST.FRANCISVILLE, LA - 47 year old Sgt. Paul Stuckey of Zachary died of a gunshot wound while investigating a report of night hunting. Stuckey, an officer with Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Enforcement Division, was found by local fishermen at the old ferry landing near the banks of the Mississippi River just outside of St. Francisville at daybreak. He had a gunshot wound to the chest and found just outside his patrol vehicle.

Industrial Incident Causes Man's Death

September 30, KEARNEY, NE - 75 year old William Aschoff of Niobrara died in an incident at the Kearney Wastewater Treatment plant Friday. Aschoff was operating a bulldozer near a water-filled sandpit Friday when it fell into the pond. The water is about 30 feet deep.

Crash Claims Lives of Two Deputies

September 30, ASHER, OK - 56 year old Tim Lowry of Saint Louis and 45 year old Mike Roberts of Konawa were both killed in a crash involving a tractor trailer on Friday. The Pottawatomie County Sheriff Deputies were on their way to serve an arrest warrant when they crested a hill where the driver of a semi was attempting to make a U-turn in the middle of the highway.

Roofer Dies After Fall

September 30, KENNEDY TOWNSHIP, PA - 53 year old Dennis Golling died after falling from the roof of Kennedy Township Volunteer Fire Company. Golling worked for a roofing contractor. No other details are available but the incident is under investigation.

Oilfield Worker Struck and Killed

September 29, WILLISTON, ND - 40 year old Eugene Norris Jr. of Dickinson was killed when he was struck by the trailer of a truck Thursday night. Norris had finished filling a water tank at hydraulic fracturing site and was putting his gear away. He was standing near his truck when he was struck by the trailer of another truck.

Rodeo Coach Dies of Head Injuries

September 29, ONTARIO, OR - 42 year old Sonny Hansen died after being thrown from a horse during practice Thursday. Hansen, Rodeo Coach for Treasure Valley Community College, was conducting practice when he was bucked off the horse. He suffered severe head injuries. He died later at a local hospital.

Worker Electrocuted

September 29, BIRMINGHAM, AL - 58 year old David Albert Prest was died Thursday after being electrocuted at Southern Label Company. Prest, a printing press operator, was attempting to re-spool a machine that had stopped due a power interruption. Authorities say a bad plug energized the platform that he was standing on.

Cab Driver Killed by Passengers

September 28, LA JOLLA, CA - an unidentified 68 year old self employed cab driver, possibly from San Diego, was shot to death in a La Jolla neighborhood Wednesday. Witness report seeing the taxi on the side of road, heard arguing and then gunshots. The cab was then driven away and was later found abandoned. UPDATE: Authorities have identified the driver as Sadat Sahou.

Worker Burned in Explosion Last Year Dies

September 28, MEMPHIS, TN - Erica Jarrett died Thursday of injuries she received in an industrial incident in September of 2010. Jarrett was severely burned in an explosion and fire at a military flare plant in West Tennessee. The blast at the Kilgore Flares plant in Toone burned Jarrett and two other workers.

Farmer Dies in Auger Incident

September 28, DUBUQUE, IA - 41 year old Michael Duetmeyer of rural Dyersville died after becoming caught in an auger Wednesday. The sheriff's office says Duetmeyer was working alone inside a silo when he became entangled in the auger being used to clean out the silo.

Bar Owner Shot to Death

September 28, SAVANNAH, GA - 38 year old Kevin Wade was shot and killed Wednesday outside a bar he co-owned. Wade, co-owner of Mr. Wonderful's nightclub, was preparing for the bar's weekly oyster roast when he was shot.

Tree Trimmer Dies From Fall

September 28, PEBBLE BEACH, CA - 46 year old Carlos Amezcua of Salinas died from a fall Wednesday. Amezcua was trimming trees when he fell from the bucket of a boom truck. Cal-OSHA is investigating.

Worker Receives Fatal Electric Shock

September 28, WESTLAKE, LA - Garrick Deshotel was electrocuted Wednesday in an incident at Westlake's PPG plant. Deshotel was a contractor for R & R Construction and was working on a chlor-alkali unit when he came in contact with high-voltage electricity. Deshotel was taken to an area hospital where he died of his injuries.

Construction Worker Electrocuted

September 27, PANAMA CITY, FL - 21 year old Carlos Angeles Francisco died after being electrocuted on a construction job site. The circumstances of the incident are not clear but police say an alert co-worker was able to knock the wires away from Francisco. He later died at a local hospital. OSHA is investigating.

Industrial Incident Kills Worker

September 26, MAXTON, NC - 50 year old Lonnie Collins of Robeson died after his leg was severed at Murphy-Brown LLC plant near Maxton. A company spokesman said Collins’ leg became caught in a machine while he was performing maintenance work. Collins died at the plant from apparent blood loss.

Hospital Worker Dies of Heart Attack

September 26, MIDDLETOWN, CT - 57 year old James B. "Big Jim" Diamond Sr. of Clinton died after being involved in the restraint of an unruly psychiatric patient at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middleton. Diamond was one of five staff members involved in a "therapeutic hold" on a patient for the purpose of administering drugs. During the struggle, Diamond began to feel ill and staff called for an ambulance. The medical examiner determined Diamond died of cardiac arrest.

U.S. Citizen Killed While Working in Afganistan

September 25, KABUL, AFGANISTAN - 61 year old Jay Henigan of Sycamore, IL was killed in a shoot out at a CIA facility in Kabul on Sunday. Henigan's father says his son had just begun his second stint working as a plumber for the CIA in Kabul. Henigan was shot by an Afghan worker who was providing security to the facility.

Construction Company Owner Dies From Fall

September 24, LANCASTER, PA - 67 year old Raymond L. Bomberger of Millersville died of injuries he suffered in a fall while installing siding on a home. He was standing on a makeshift scaffold about 15 feet from the ground when for an unknown reason he lost his footing and fell. "He was on a 12-inch-wide board stretching from a ladder to a porch roof," the police chief said. Bomberger died instantly of multiple traumatic injuries due to the fall.

Maintenance Worker Dies of Repeated Wasp Stings

September 17, GLEN COVE, NY - 47 year old Stephan Mueller died after being stung repeatedly by hornets while working in Glen Cove. Mueller, who worked for Glen Cove Department of Public Works, was working with co-workers picking up branches and logs by the city water tower at Leech Circle when workers “must have picked up the wrong branch,” disrupting a wasps' nest, Mueller's mother said. Reports say he was stung more than 30 times. While not allergic to bee stings, but the significant amount of stings caused his fatal injuries.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-09-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

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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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-09-23T14:14:00.000-05:00

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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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-09-16T12:25:00.000-05:00

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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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-09-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

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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Weekly Toll: Death in the American Workplace

2011-09-02T12:44:00.001-05:00

Man Killed in Dump Truck Incident

August 31, MARTINEZ, CA - 34 year old Klayton Dasilva of Concord was killed in a dump truck incident. Dasilva was pinned between the hydraulic bed and chassis of the truck just after 10AM at a work site near unincorporated Martinez. Cal-OSHA will conduct an investigation.

Convenience Store Owner Killed in Robbery

August 31, COLLINGDALE, PA - 24 year old Yogesh "Yogi" Bhausar was shot and killed in what police believe was a robbery Wednesday afternoon. Bhausar, owner of Best Convenience, was found behind the counter by a customer. Police are investigating.

Tree Trimmer Dies of Fall Injuries

August 31, MORNINGVIEW, KY - 62 year old Lester Grubb of Independence died after falling from the bucket of a truck. Grubb was trimming trees at a house in Morningview when he fell 50 feet out of the bucket truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Worker Dies in Construction Incident

August 31, NAPLES, FL - 30 year old Christian Flores of Bonita Springs was killed when he was struck by a forklift on a job site. Flores, an employee for J&A Loading of Bonita Springs and was delivering roofing tiles. Flores was walking between the moving forklift and the delivery truck parked in the roadway when he was run over.

Probation Officer Shot During Training

August 31, JACKSON, GA - 24 year old Tiffany Bishop was shot during a training exercise Wednesday. During a training demonstration at a Butts County firing range, the instructor's gun apparently accidentally discharged, striking Bishop. She was transported to an area hospital but died on the way. She was a staff member of George Diagnostic Prison in Jackson.

Worker Killed in Industrial Machine

August 31, LIBERTY, SC - 41 year old Lewis Edward Smith II died in an industrial incident at the Liberty Denim factory Wednesday. Reports says Smith was working with a machine at the factory when he fell into the rollers of the machine and was crushed. Smith died at the scene.

Construction Site Deadly for One Worker

August 30, CONWAY, NH - 63 year old Roger Brooks died apparently after he had been run over by a piece of heavy construction equipment. Police responded to a call about a rollover near a home and found Brooks unresponsive. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Worker Crushed Inside Machine

August 30, MILWAUKEE, WI - 58 year old Henry D. LaFlore was killed in an industrial incident at ASI Technologies Tuesday. According to Milwaukee Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael Romas, his head was crushed in a press. "As far as what I know, a machine and cable wire broke and the machine crushed him," said LaFlore's sister. According to a friend, LaFlore worked for the company for 30 years.

Crane Operator Crushed in Tipover

August 30, ROCHESTER, NY - an unidentified worker died Tuesday during attempts to rescue him after his 35 ton crane tipped over at the Genesee River Gorge. The man was working for Gerace Construction on a Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. project on the shore of the river when the crane tipped on a sloped concrete spillway. He was initially alive when rescuers began their work but he unfortunately passed away before the massive crane could be stabilized and moved off his lower body. UPDATE: Authorities have identified the crane operator as Douglas Fitzmaurice of Wolcott.

Road Worker Killed In Bulldozer Rollover

August 29, LIVERMORE, CA - 52 year old Fred Telford of Hilmar died as the result of a construction incident involving a bulldozer near the Altamont Wind Farms. Telford was grading a new road about two miles off Vasco Road when his bulldozer began to tip, according to the California Highway Patrol. Telford, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and the bulldozer rolled over and killed him then continued to roll down a hill. Reports say Telford worked for the Minnesota based Blattner Energy.

Worker Found Burned is a Mystery

August 29, DETROIT, MI - 37 year old Antoine Pogue was found badly burned and unconscious Monday at his work, Highland Park Water Department. He died later at a local hospital. Right now, police aren't sure if foul play was involved, or if this was just some sort of horrific on the job accident. But there are lingering questions such as who called 911 to alert police? They say Pogue could not have called.

Tractor Trailer Driver Dies in Rollover

August 29, DILLON, MT - 57 year old Eugene Munson of Anaconda died when the semi rig he was driving rolled in Madison County Monday evening. When MHP arrived on the scene they found Munson had died of his injuries.

Delivery Driver Killed in Truck Crash

August 29, HILO, HI - 67 year old Reginald N. Iwasaki died after his truck drifted off the roadway and struck a tree. Iwasaki was a driver for Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Oilfield Explosion Kills Three Workers

August 29, Near CASPER, WY - Three men working as sub-contractors for Samson Resources died in an oilfield explosion while they were installing a piping system from storage tanks to a device that separates oil and water. Following are the workers:
55 year old James Turner of Mills. Turner worked for Double D Welding & Fabrication.
32 year old Llewellyn Dort of Casper worked for Wild West Construction of Glenrock.
Gerardo Alatorre, age unknown, of Mills also worked for Wild West Construction.
Authorities said two 4,000-gallon tanks that hold oil and water exploded at the scene, causing a fire that burned about 10 acres on the Hornbuckle Ranch.

Bar Owner Suffers Heart Attack

August 29, MITCHELL, SD - Greg Foster, owner of Moonlight Bar and Lounge, died of a heart attack this morning. Foster was preparing cash receipts when he collapsed and died later at a local hospital.

EMT Drowns in Wake of Hurricane Irene's Wrath

August 29, POINT PLESANT BEACH, NJ - Michael Kenwood, a Princeton emergency medical technician, died Monday after entering rising water Sunday to check our a stranded car. Kenwood and another rescuer were recalled because conditions were unsafe. Police say both ended up unsecured in the water but the second rescue worker regained his footing. Kenwood was hospitalized in critical condition and died Monday. It was later determined the vehicle they were trying to reach was unoccupied.

Fire Marshall Dies After Training Exercise

August 28, BOUNTIFUL, UT - 55 year old Steve Cox died Sunday after falling ill from participating in a firefighter skills training exercise Friday. Cox, a Fire Marshall for South Davis Metro Fire Agency, became disoriented and complained of shortness of breath during the training. He was immediately treated by fellow firefighters and was taken to a local hospital where his organs began to shut down.

Club Bouncer Shot by Patron

August 28, ALBUQUERQUE, NM - 23 year old Joseph Threadgill was shot Saturday and died Sunday while working as a bouncer at TD's Show Club. The shooting stemmed from an altercation between several people inside the club. One man was escorted out and told to leave. He pulled up to the club and shot Threadgill seven times in the head before fleeing the scene.

Railroad Worker Killed in Collision

August 28, ABILENE, KS - 59 year old Elmer "Butch" Hulse, a Union Pacific Railroad worker, was killed when he was involved in a collision after the cross arms didn’t come down at an intersection just east of Abilene. Hulse was in a pickup fitted with wheels for the track when a passenger car crossed his path crashing into him. Authorities say the crossing arms are supposed to come down when that type of vehicle is on the tracks.

Worker Drowns in Hurricane Irene's Flood Waters

August 28, Kearny, NJ - 47 year old Ronald Dawkins drowned in rising flood waters Sunday after his service vehicle became partially submerged. Dawkins tried to wade through rising water to a postal facility where he worked. Witnesses told police Dawkins stepped into a hidden drainage creek with 10 or 12 feet of water. MORE INFORMATION on the rescue attempt of Mr. Dawkins.

Volunteer Firefighter Killed in Collision

August 28, JASPER, TX - 38 year old Anthony Quinton Meyers, a member of Angelina River Volunteer Fire Department, died when the ATV he was riding collided with a pick up driven by a game warden. He was on his way to help fight a brush fire called the "Ebenezer Complex fire" that whipped up on Sunday. The incident remains under investigation.

Deputy Dies in Fiery Crash

August 27, SAN ANTONIO, TX - 49 year old Mark Scianna was killed Saturday in a crash of his service vehicle. Scianna was working his normal overnight traffic supervisor shift when he crashed into a utility pole. The vehicle rolled over, ejected Scianna and hit a second utility pole before exploding.

Security Contractor Killed Investigating Pot Grower

August 27, FORT BRAGG, CA - Jere Melo was shot and killed by a transient Saturday while investigating a pot growing operation. Melo, who was a city councilman and former mayor, was working as a security contractor for Campbell Timber Management at the time of the shooting. First hired as a forester in 1966 by the Union Lumber Company, he was in the area about 4 miles east of Fort Bragg in response to reports of a marijuana grow operation. His partner was able to escape and call authorities.

Man Killed by Falling Tractor

August 27, BELLEVILLE, IL - 40 year old Harlan "Gene" Seiber died after an accident involving his farm tractor. Seiber was crushed by his tractor after it fell into a hole he was apparently filling with dirt. He died on the scene of the accident on a farm in rural Belleville. The hole was believed to be about 15 feet deep.

Worker Killed in Collision of Vehicles

August 26, BUCKINGHAM, PA - 58 year old Gary Shoap of Richboro was killed when his car was broadsided by a box truck on Friday. Shoap, circulation district manager for Inquirer & Daily News and according to his employer, he was on duty at the time of the accident.

Tractor Trailer Overturns, Driver Killed

August 26, HELENA, AR - 49 year old Anthony Swan died when the semi he was driving overturned and struck a bridge railing. Swan apparently failed to negotiate a curve which caused it to overturn and came to rest in a roadside ditch.

Farmer Dies When Pinned Under Overturned Tractor

August 26, MOOREHEAD, IA - 52 year old David Moorehead died when the tractor he driving went off the road and into a ditch. He was hauling a trailer full of hay when the tractor overturned into the ditch, pinning him underneath it.

Bus Driver Dies in Collision With Semi

August 26, SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - 52 year old Andy Lynch of Chesapeake, VA died after receiving injuries in a bus crash August 24. Lynch, a driver for DC Trails, was driving a bus with 54 passengers on board headed from Brooklyn to Washington DC when he attempted to slow down for traffic. The bus collided with a tractor trailer rig that jack-knifed. Lynch is the only person to die in the crash.

Medical Helicopter Crashes Killing Three & Patient

August 26, MOSBY, MO - 47 year old Randy Bever of Savannah, MO, a flight nurse for Air Method, was killed when the medical helicopter he was riding in crashed near Mosby. The pilot reported low fuel and had planned to land but did not make it to the airport.

Also killed in the crash was 36 year old Chris Frakes of Savannah, MO who was a flight paramedic.

Air Method Pilot, 34 year old James Freudenberg of Rapid City, SD died in the crash as did a patient they were transporting.

Man Crushed Under Commercial Lawn Mower

August 26, EPHRATA, PA - David Mohler died Friday after being crushed under a commercial lawn mower. Initial investigation shows that Mohler, an employee for Hocking Printng, had placed the mower on a small gravel mound with the mower deck exposed so he could clean the underside of the mower deck. The mower was not running and the parking brake was in place, but the 1,800 lb. mower rolled off of the mound and onto Mohler.

Elderly Farmer Pinned Under Equipment

August 26, BIG RAPIDS, MI - 83 year old Charles Walsh was killed when he was crushed under his farm tractor. Walsh was using a farm tractor to mow the ditch next to a field when the tractor slipped on the edge of the embankment and toppled over into the field, pinning Walsh underneath.

Big Rig Driver Killed in Crash

August 25, PYRAMID LAKE, CA - 40 year old Frank Arias of Santa Paula was killed in a crash on Golden State (5) Freeway near Pyramid Lake. The truck, carrying oil, lemons and limes, crossed over the center divider before crashing and spilling its load, according to the California Highway Patrol. Arias died at the scene.

Tree Trimmer Falls to His Death

August 25, GRAND TERRACE, CA - 56 year old Jeffrey Kenney of Riverside died after falling from a palm tree he was trimming in Grand Terrace. Kenney was contracted to trim palm trees when about 12:15PM his safety rope became unfastened, causing him to fall to the ground. Kenney was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

Death Reported at Oregon warehouse

August 25, SALEM, OR - an unidentified person was killed at the Americold facility in Salem today. The cause or manner of death is not being released.

Tow Truck Driver Hit Helping Stranded Trucker

August 24, AZ - 47 year old Dann Collins of Las Vegas, NV was hit and killed while doing a tow swap on I-10 in Arizona. He was unhooking the replacement tractor when an oversize load came through and hit the tractor he was towing as well as him.

Truck Driver Pinned Between Trailers

August 24, SAN ANTONIO, TX - 42 year old Miguel Vasquez from Harlinger was killed Wednesday morning when he was pinned between two trailers he was trying to hook up to a truck in the parking lot of Old Dominion Freight Lines. According to police, Vasquez failed to set his truck's brakes while he was attaching one trailer to another already connected to the truck. The truck and trailer rolled about four feet backwards, pinning Vasquez.

Worker Falls From Roof

August 24, FRANKLIN PARK, PA - 48 year old Stephen Willoughby of Zelienople, PA died after falling three stories from the roof of a building in Franklin Park. Willoughby and a co-worker had finished waterproofing windows when he tried to climb onto a sloped roof to wash the windows and fell, Parsons reported. Willoughby was an experienced professional who began working with Roach Brothers Painting as a young man. His safety equipment may have failed another worker said.

Worker Killed in Truck Yard

August 22, EL PASO, TX - 46 year old Sergio Guillen was hit and killed at Mesilla Valley Transportation on Monday. Police said Guillen was walking across a parking lot inside the facility when he was hit by a mule truck which is used to move the tractor-trailers. Guillen was knocked to the ground and the yard tractor rolled over Guillen's arm and shoulder. He was taken to a local hospital where he died.

Groundskeeper Dies in Fire

August 22, WAXAHACIE, TX - an unidentified person was killed in a fire at the site of the Scarborough Renaissance Faire. Police say he was a groundskeeper at the site, and the fire consumed seven structures. Police say the fire started in one of the buildings one of the groundskeepers were living in.

Semi Truck Driver Dies in Fiery Crash

August 17, CLOVERDALE, IN - 43 year old John M. Goins was killed in a fiery collision with another semi in a construction zone. Goins' tractor-trailer struck the rear of another tractor-trailer in a construction zone and subsequently caught fire. Goins' perished in the fire after repeated attempts by Indiana State Police Troopers and passers-by to rescue him.

Tax Administrator Dies of Heart Attack at Work

August 12, ALEXANDRIA, VA - 75 year old William A. McClintock Jr. died of a heart attack while working at the Fairfax County Government Center. McClintock worked for the Department of Tax Administration. Before his employment with the tax administration he was 30 year veteran firefighter with the Arlington County Fire Department.

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Weekly Toll:Death in the American Workplace

2011-08-26T10:42:00.000-05:00

Farmer Died Doing What He Loved

August 25, NEW LIBERY, IA - 77 year old Donavon Sievers of Stockton died in an accident involving his tractor Thursday. His son said he farmed his whole life and said "This is the way he wanted to go." Sievers was hauling hay when the hitch connecting the hayrake broke. The weight and momentum of the hayrack pushed the tractor into a ditch. He was found lying next to his tractor.

Police Officer Dies of Injuries After Being Shot

August 25, ANNISTON, AL - 27 year old Justin Sollohub was shot while on patrol Wednesday. He died Thursday, after being kept on life support until his organs could be donated. Sollohub was on routine patrol and got out of his car to talk to a man, authorities said, then reported he was chasing a man on foot. He was shot after he went around a side of a house.

Electrician Dies on Construction Site

August 25, AMERICUS, GA - 21 year old Sean Scott of Leesburg, died after coming into contact with a live electrical wire at the Phoebe Sumter Hospital construction site in Americus. He then fell 12 to 15 feet from a ladder. Scott was an apprentice journeyman with Inglett and Stubbs Electrical Construction Company.

Migrant Farm Worker Dies in Tractor Rollover

August 25, BETHANY, NC - 25 year old Mario Andres Castillo Avena was killed when the farm tractor he was using to pull a trailer went off the roadway and rolled down an embankment. He died on the scene.

Tow Truck Driver Killed in Hit and Run

August 24, PASADENA, MD - 38 year old James Frederick Schrieber Jr. was killed today when he was struck by a vehicle while preparing a disabled vehicle for towing on Route 100. The driver of the red Nissan Pathfinder who struck Schrieber fled the scene and police are searching for that driver.

Two Restaurant Employees Killed by Co-Worker

August 24, DECATUR, AL - 50 year old Mark Graff of Huntsville, a night manager, and 23 year old Jesse Jose Aguilar of Decatur were shot to death inside the Krystal restaurant where they worked. A female employee reported to work at 5AM this morning to find one worker shot and the cash register open. Police were called and they found the second worker. Police say another employee who had worked at the restaurant for some time was arrested for the murders.

Farmer Dies in Machinery Accident

August 24, VILLARD, MN - 58 year old John Lanigan died in a farm accident in his wheat field Wednesday. Lanigan was found under his swather. No one knows exactly what lead to the accident, but neighbors remembered Lanigan for his hard work ethic and his passion for farming.

Cab Driver Found Stabbed to Death

August 23, HICKORY, NC - 32 year old Adam Todd Williams was found Tuesday night suffering stab wounds to the face and neck. Williams, an employee for Yellow Cab, was attacked by a known assailant. Williams went to a closed restaurant where the employees called for help. He was transported to a local hospital where he died. Police know who murdered Williams and are searching for him.

Worker Found Dead on Rooftop

August 23, MUSCATINE, IA - 42 year old Tim Baars was found dead Tuesday on the roof of the Muscatine Department of Public Works building. Baars was an employee for the department. It is unclear as to the means or cause of Baars death.

Wall Collapse at Historic Home Renovation Kills Worker

August 23, LOUISVILLE, KY - 33 year old James Laslie of Crestwood died when he was crushed under a concrete wall. Laslie was working on waterproofing the basement and was using a backhoe, then stepped into a six foot deep trench to remove dirt. According to a fire department spokesman, that work undermined three concrete walls surrounding a window which tilted away from the home. The walls crushed Laslie against the side wall of the open trench.

Livery Cab Driver Dies Months After Being Shot

August 23, BRONX, NY - 64 year old Julio Lora lost his battle for life after being shot by a passenger during a robbery March 31. Lora was shot in the head five times and has been on life support since. The gunman fled the brazen daylight robbery with Lora's wallet, which held $71, police said. He was captured after running into a nearby retirement home. He will now be charged with Lora's murder.

Maintenance Engineer Falls From Scaffold

August 23, ST. LOUIS, MO - 49 year old Mark Affsprung of Edwardsville was killed Tuesday after falling while he was working on an elevator shaft. Affsprung was a maintenance engineer at the Pinnacle owned Lumiere Place Casino complex. He was working on an elevator shaft in a parking garage when he fell from scaffolding.

Coin Dealer Robbed and Beaten to Death

August 23, BROOKLYN, NY - 61 year old Steve Halfon, owner of Liberty Coin Co., was locking up his store when he was ambushed by a group of thieves who pummeled him near his shop and dumped his battered body a mile away, police sources said. After beating him severely, the thieves dumped his body and abandoned his car a few blocks away. A passerby saw Halfon and called for help. It is unclear what the thieves got away with.

Young Rancher Trampled to Death

August 22, WHEELER, TX - 24 year old Justin Bradley died Monday after he was injured August 20 when several horses trampled him. Bradley's father says his son was knocked down and trampled when the horses turned as he was moving them toward a bucking chute Saturday. It is not clear what spooked the horses and made them run.

Tanker Driver Crashes Into Concrete Barrier

August 22, KINGSVILLE, TX - 66 year old Mike Oliver Jr. from Louisiana was killed when the tanker truck he was driving crashed into a concrete barrier Monday. Officials believe Oliver may have suffered a medical issue before losing control of the truck. When the truck hit the barrier the cab burst into flames but the tanker did not rupture of catch fire.

Transportation Worker Dies of Injuries

August 22, YORK, PA - 51 year old Michael Dillman of Littlestown has died of injuries he received on the job August 15. Dillman, an equipment operator in the York County Maintenance Office for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, died when the dump truck he was driving went off the road and overturned.

Worker Crushed on Conveyor Belt

August 22, EAST ST. LOUIS, IL - an unidentified 31 year old worker from Collinsville was killed instantly when he was crushed on a conveyor belt Monday morning. He sustained the fatal injuries after his legs got caught in a conveyor belt at Swansea Building Products, a concrete business. Officials say he was a temporary employee. UPDATE: Authorities have identified Thomas D. Wallace as the worker who was killed.

Worker Dies in Fall From Structure

August 22, OCHEYEDAN, IA - 33 year old Christopher Paulette of Spirit Lake died after he fell 60 feet while working inside a wind turbine Monday. Officials say Paulette was climbing a NextEra Energy wind turbine when he fell. No specifics are given as to cause of the fall. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

Road Worker Struck and Killed

August 22, WOODSTOCK, IL - 34 year old Ryan Nichols of Kenosha, IL was struck and killed by a car while working for the Illinois Department of Transportation in northern Illinois. Officials say Nichols was measuring the roadway when he was struck but wasn't in a construction zone.

Armored Truck Driver Shot During Robbery

August 21, MIAMI GARDENS, FL - 26 year old Alvaro Lopez Ramos was shot and killed by five armed robbers while on duty. Ramos, a US Citizen of just two months and an aspiring teacher, was a Brink's driver who was making a stop at Calder Casino and Race Course when the five suspects, who had been waiting on a bench, rushed Ramos and shots were fired. The five suspects have been apprehended and charged with Ramos' murder.

Worker Dies of Electric Shock in Attic

August 21, ORANGE, TX - 51 year old Toren Swift was electrocuted in an attic after he was hired to do work in a home the landlord was planning to rent out. The landlord reported hearing noises coming from the attic as if someone was in distress. The owner called 9-1-1 and emergency responders discovered Swift in the attic.

Wing Walker at Air Show Falls To His Death

August 21, SELFRIDGE, MI - Todd Green, an experienced "wing walker" died after falling 200 feet from the wing of a stunt plane as he was attempting to grab onto a helicopter. He was performing for a crowd at the Selfridge Air Show at Selfridge Air National Guard base. Green completed the act earlier in the day.

Grocery Store Worker Stabbed to Death

August 21, SANTA MONICA, CA - 46 year old Christina Talley died after being attacked in a check out line at an Albertson's store where she was working. The attacker came into the store, with a hood over his head, and began beating and stabbing Talley. Her estranged husband has been apprehended and will be charged with her murder.

Worker Dies at Distribution Center

August 21, OAK GROVE, KY - 64 year old Robert Tillman died Sunday morning while operating a forklift at the Walmart Distribution Center. Witnesses said they saw Tillman slump over on the forklift. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Plane Pilot Dies in Crash

August 21, MARSHALL, MI - 59 year old John Andrew Hoffman died after his tow plane crashed into a field Sunday. Hoffman's plane had just towed a glider into the sky over southern Calhoun County when it began to malfunction and the glider pilot released the cable. The plane then spiraled into a field next to the airport. Hoffman was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead of severe head injuries.

Longshoreman Dies From Fall

August 20, PORT RICHMOND, PA - 54 year old Vernon Knight of Philadelphia died Saturday when he fell from an upper deck while unloading a ship at Tioga Marine Terminal in Port Richmond. Knight, a member of Local 1291 (ILA), fell from a pontoon in the upper deck of No. 2 hatch to the lower hold while he was giving signals to a crane operator via radio.

Man Dies in Industrial Machine Incident

August 20, GARDEN GROVE, CA - 49 year old Tuan Phan, a machine operator for American Apparel, died after being crushed in a circular knitting machine. No specifics as to how Phan became trapped in the machine were released.

Farmer Trapped Under Tractor Dies

August 20, BRACEVILLE, OH - Ray Davis, a longtime member of the Trumbull County Farm Bureau, died Saturday after he was pinned under a tractor on his property, off of Herr Fieldhouse Road, in Braceville township. No details as to manner are given.

Worker Killed at Fort Benning

August 20, FORT BENNING, GA - Jessie L. Allen as a result of an accident at a road construction site on Fort Benning, GA. Allen was inspecting a project that will expand Dixie Road from two lanes to four lanes when he was struck by a dump truck. He was a construction control inspector for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District.

Pilot of Spray Plane Dies in Crash

August 20, WHITEWOOD, IA - 64 year old Loren L. Ring of Rapid City died when the spray plane he was piloting crashed near Whitewood Saturday. Ring had 30 years of flying experience and while he was in excellent health, his family hasn't ruled out the possibility of a medical episode as the cause of the crash.

Flight Instructor & Student Killed in Crash

August 19, TITUSVILLE, PA - 43 year old Dale Stearns, a flight instructor, was killed along with a flight student, when their plane crashed just after midnight on Saturday. They had a flight path scheduled but the plane crashed into trees in heavy fog about a half mile from the Titusville airport. The plane caught on fire and both men were killed.

Pilot Dies in Air Show Crash

August 20, KANSAS CITY, MO - Bryan Jensen died when the aerobatics bi-plane he was flying in the Kansas City Air Show crashed. A witness video showed Jensen's plane spiraling downward and crashing in flames in the area of a runway at the Charles B. Wheeler airport.

Prison Employee Dies From Electric Shock

August 19, CHARLESTON, MO - 39 year old Michael Walker died after an apparent electric shock in the food service area of the prison in Charleston. He was a maintenance supervisor for the Department of Corrections since 2007. Authorities have declined to specify the circumstances surrounding Walker's death.

Employee Dies When Truck Crashes Into Business

August 19, GALLUP, NM - 42 year old Laura Bitsid was killed Friday when a tanker truck crashed into the side of the Sun Loans building where she worked. The truck's driver clipped a pick-up on Interstate 40, which caused him to lose control. His big rig swerved into a parking lot, up an embankment and crashed into two vehicles before crashing into the building.

Tractor Trailer Driver Killed in Collision

August 19, WEST HARTFORD, CT - John Dilliplane of Pennsylvania was killed when his semi truck collided with a wrecker hauling a trailer. Dilliplane's truck then crashed through a guard rail. He died on the scene. The driver of the wrecker suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Shipyard Worker Crushed to Death

August 19, JEFFERSONVILLE, IN - 54 year old Steve Duncan of Pekin died after being pinned against a barge by a piece of equipment at Jeffboat. Duncan was working on a machine called a buggy, which has a hydraulic lift, when it moved and pinned him against the barge. Jeffboat is the nation's largest inland shipbuilder and repair facility and is owned and operated by American Commercial Lines.

Worker Dies Weeks After Being Injured

August 19, PENSACOLA, FL - 64 year old Jerry Milam has died after suffering injuries in a mower incident on July 26. Milam, an Escambia County worker, was mowing grass on the shoulder of Olive Road when his tractor flipped about 15 feet into a ditch that was hidden by overgrowth, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. Milam was trapped for several hours before a passing pedestrian noticed and called for help.

Cemetery Maintenance Worker Dies in Incident

August 19, LANSING, IL - 40 year old Francisco Chavez of Downers Grove died when a lawnmower fell off a jack and onto his head. Chavez was a maintenance worker for Oak Ridge Cemetery and was attempting to fix a hydraulic pump on a lawnmower when it slipped off the jack. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Worker Dies in Industrial Incident

August 18, FARGO, ND - 49 year old Noren Ellingson died Thursday from injuries he received Tuesday when a steel bin fell onto him. Ellingson suffered traumatic brain injury when the metal bin–similar to a commercial Dumpster–was being loaded onto a truck when it slipped and landed on him. Ellingson was an employee of Buhler Industries, a Winnipeg-based company that manufactures and distributes agricultural equipment.

Worker Killed in Water Tower Explosion

August 16, TOMBALL, TX - an unidentified worker died from an explosion at a water tower. He was a contractor from a water well company there to perform routine maintenance and was using a welder to cut a hole in the lid when the explosion happened. The force of the explosion ripped the lid off the well. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he died.

Miner Killed in Roof Rock Fall

August 15, SHARPLES, WV - 46 year old Charles M. Hall of Williamson died after he was struck by falling rock in the Mountaineer II Mine near Sharples in Logan County. Hall was installing roof supports there Monday when struck by falling rock. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. The mine is owned by Mingo Logan Coal Co., a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Arch Coal.

Longshoreman Killed in New Jersey

August 15, NEWARK, NJ - Don Delia, a longshoreman for ILA Local 1804-1, died in an incident at Port Newark. Details of the accident were not available.

Ranch Worker Dies in Bulldozer Accident

August 7, BRECKENRIDGE, TX - 63 year old Howard Larson Wampler died after being pinned under a CAT dozer on Bob Cook Ranch. Wampler was operating a D6 bulldozer, which was attempting to pull the 4-ton vehicle up a steep incline when the dozer reared up, causing the chain pulling the 4-ton dozer to snap. The seat Wampler occupied and a fuel tank were then ejected from the 6-ton dozer, which rolled down the incline and pinned Wampler man, who was killed instantly.

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