Death of Monster Truck Nationals promoter, announcer called 'tragic accident'
January 25, Madison, Wisconsin - "A tragic accident" is how Dane County officials describe the death of George Eisenhart Jr. at the Monster Truck Nationals show Saturday night at the Dane County Coliseum -- the second death in just over a week involving monster trucks. Eisenhart, 41, of Chardon, Ohio, was hit by one of the giant-wheeled, thundering vehicles he loved when he stepped into its path near the end of the performance. He was pronounced dead two hours later at Univeristy of Wisconsin Hospital of major, "crushing" internal injuries, Coroner John Stanley said.
Police: Pizza delivery man shot in North Las Vegas
January 25, Las Vegas, Nevada —North Las Vegas police say a pizza delivery man was shot and killed as part of a robbery. Police say the shooting happened about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities say when they arrived, officers found the victim suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Police have not made any arrests, and the victim has not been identified. The victim is described as a man in his 40s or 50s.
Family mourns construction engineer Darren Barnicoat, 35, man of ‘uncompromising character’
January 25, Boston, Massachusetts - The 35-year-old engineer who died on the job Friday when he was crushed by a tumbling brick at a Boston high-rise construction site is remembered as a hard worker of “uncompromising character” who enjoyed improving his home. Darren Barnicoat, who worked for A. A. Will Corp. in Stoughton, died while he was working in a 10-foot-deep pit at a construction and renovation project at Russia Wharf in the Financial District. In a statement issued yesterday, Barnicoat’s family - including his parents, two brothers and fiancee - said they would “remember a man who lived without pretension and treated others with fairness and goodwill.”
Allison Triarsi / 11 News
January 25, Houston, Texas – After one of his employees was killed during a robbery, the Wing Zone store manager had to see it for himself. “Not Miguel. I can’t see him saying anything to these guys or doing anything to them to make them want to shoot him. Especially not over a couple of dollars,” said Derrick William, Wing Zone manager. But according to Harris County sheriff’s deputies, a couple of dollars is exactly why 42-year-old Miguel Figueroa is dead. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
Worker Crushed in Accident
January 23, Guthrie, Oklahoma - A man was crushed to death as he and several others were working on a heating unit Thursday in Guthrie. Authorities say the three-thousand-pound component was propped up for service when it fell on the victim. Other workers lifted the unit off, but it was already too late for 26-year-old Leroy Coker. Federal labor officials are investigating.
Construction Safety - Worker crushed to death.
January 24, Tampa, Florida - A 28-year old construction worker was crushed and killed while attempting to change a piece of equipment on the job in Prior Lake. OSHA is inspecting. The man, whose name was not released, was trying to change the bucket on a skid loader around 2:30 p.m. when he somehow got pinned between the bucket and the cab of the machine, according to the Scott County Sheriff's Office. He was working at Applied Ecological Services Inc. in the 21000 block of Mushtown Road. There is no time-out from employing the right safety rules at the job site. Construction work is extremely unforgiving and dangerous.
Port Huron man killed in industrial accident identified
January 24, Port Huron, Michigan - The Port Huron man who was killed in an industrial accident in Chesterfield Friday has been identified as Tom Farquhar. He was identified to the Times Herald by sister Deena Lynch via e-mail. His identity was also confirmed by Detective Brian Chadwick of the Chesterfield Township Police Department Saturday morning. Farquhar died while transporting equipment for his employer, a TI Automotive plant at 50695 Chesterfield Road, Chadwick said.
Washington County Farmer Dies in Tractor Accident
January 23, Washington County, Texas - An elderly Brenham man was killed this week in a tractor accident at his Washington County farm. Authorities said Edgar Lentz, 84, was shredding his pasture off FM 2679 on Wednesday, when his tractor pulled him under and trapped him. Officials believe Lentz was standing next to the tractor when he started the ignition while the tractor was in gear. When Lentz didn't come home that afternoon, his wife found him and called paramedics, Washington County Sheriff's officials said. Lentz was dead when they arrived.
Police name worker who died
January 24, St. Cloud, Minnesota - St. Cloud police have released the name of the man who died in an accident at Phillips Recycling Systems on Thursday. Charles Aldrich Blomberg, 41, of Waite Park was killed when a piece of metal fell on him, Sgt. Lori Ellering said. She said Blomberg was cutting a large piece of metal when it fell. There was no equipment failure in the incident, and Ellering said it appears to be an accident. The emergency at 119 Sixth Ave. NE was reported at 1:02 p.m. Thursday.
Construction worker killed in job site accident
January 23, Boston, Massachusetts - A construction worker was killed this morning during an on-the-job accident at a work site at an office building in the Financial District, according to Boston EMS. The man was working on a construction project at Russia Wharf at the corner of Congress Street and Atlantic Avenue when he was killed, according to Boston police and fire officials. Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said firefighters were called to the site at 270 Congress St. at 10:08 a.m. for a report of a worker being struck by some type of equipment.George Hansen, a mason on the project, said the worker was doing excavation work on the foundation of the building when a piece of brick some 2 feet in size fell on him. “It was a good-sized chunk that came down on him, and it crushed him,” said Hansen, who did not witness the accident but spoke to another worker who saw it. Another worker, Tom Conroy, didn’t witness the accident but said it has shaken workers. He said the victim is 31 years old. “People are upset, sure. It’s a tragedy,” he said as he left the site today. “A young guy, a 31-year-old guy, going to work and dying like that. Sure it’s touching everybody.”
Illinois roof worker's falling death ruled accidental
January 23, Alton , Illinois — A coroner's jury in southwestern Illinois has found that a steel worker who fell to his death had failed to attach his safety harness to a rope that would have saved him. The Madison County jury ruled Wednesday that 27-year-old Jeffery T. Pace's death was an accident. Police say Pace was working on the roof of Alton Steel Nov. 5 when he stepped backward onto a plastic panel and fell about 60 feet to the ground.
Texas Detention Officer Dies During Training
January 22, El Paso, Texas - Martha and Cesar Arreola were inseparable. The couple always held hands as they took walks through their Central El Paso neighborhood or went shopping with their two children. Cesar Arreola often called his wife of 16 years outside if there was a beautiful moon in the sky or a particularly striking sunset. But after Cesar Arreola's death early Sunday, Martha Arreola will have to raise their two children alone. Cesar Arreola, a 37-year-old detention officer with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, died after he fell ill Saturday as he was trying out for the Sheriff's Office Special Reaction Team. The team is used to control unruly prisoners or quell potential riots at the county's detention facilities, said Deputy Jesse Tovar, a Sheriff's Office spokesman.
Guthrie worker killed under heating component
January 22, Guthrie, Oklahoma - A worker at a manufacturing plant in Guthrie died after a 3,000 pound steel heating system component fell on him. Police Chief Damon Devereaux said the accident happened Wednesday afternoon at Midco Fabricators. The component was propped and two workers were checking it for leaks when it dropped. Eight workers were able to lift the steel piece off the man and pull him free. The other worker suffered minor injuries. Devereaux said 26-year-old Leroy Coker of the Guthrie area died at a hospital after the accident.
Bodega worker shot, killed during apparent robbery in Jersey City
January, 22, Jersey City, New Jersey - A 59-year-old bodega worker was shot and killed during an apparent robbery this afternoon at the Ocean Avenue store in Jersey City, officials said. Elisha Benjamin, aka Elijah Benjamin, became Hudson County's first murder victim of 2009 when he died of a gunshot wound at the Jersey City Medical Center at about 2:40 p.m. Benjamin was shot with a rifle today during a robbery of the bodega where he worked at Ocean Avenue and Forrest Street, Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said.
Clues sought in fatal shooting of truck driver in Barstow
January, 21, Barstow, CA - Gregory Allen Boriack left Washington state on Jan. 12, on his way to deliver a load of coiled sheet metal in Colton. He never arrived. Now homicide detectives in San Bernardino County's High Desert are seeking help finding the person who killed him. Boriack, 45, of Chula Vista, was found slain Friday in the cab of his truck parked in Barstow. The driver's-side window was broken and the long-haul driver had been shot in the head, said Barstow police Sgt. Andy Espinoza.
Rossburg Man Dies At Auglaize Co. Construction Site
January 22, Freyburg, Ohio - The Auglaize County Sheriff office announced Thursday morning that it is investigating the death of a 22-year-old construction worker. Deputies said around 10:03 a.m. Wednesday a 911 call was received at the sheriff’s office from The Glacier Hill Lakes Campgrounds in Freyburg. The caller reported that a man was injured after dirt had collapsed on him. The St. Johns Rescue Squad was dispatched and transported the man to Lima Memorial Hospital. Later, the Allen County Coroners Office called and advised that the injured man had died. The deceased is Andrew Keller, age 22 from Rossburg, Ohio. He was an employee of Tumbusch Construction that was at Glacier Hill Lakes working on a sewage line. Keller was not an employee at Glacier Hills.
Helicopter Pilots Crash In Monroe; 1 Killed, 1 Injured
January 22, Monroe, North Carolina - A helicopter pilot was killed and another injured when a helicopter crashed in an open field just outside downtown Monroe early Thursday. Monroe police said the aircraft hit a Duke Energy power line near Central Academy of Technology and Arts, not far from the intersection of Donnum and Stevens streets, shortly after 10:30 a.m. The 1967 Hughes 500 series aircraft seats four people, but only two were on board. Mark Bartlett, a part-time city of Monroe employee, was killed and Justin Travis was taken to Carolinas Medical Center-Union, officers said.
Update: Tractor flips; 60-year-old Muskegon native dies
January 21, Oceana County, Michigan — A 60-year-old Muskegon native died Sunday after the antique tractor he was using to free a vehicle stuck in the snow flipped over and crushed him. Oceana County Sheriff's Lt. Craig Mast identified the victim as Donald Fremd, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Fremd -- who grew up in Muskegon but now lived in Davison, just east of Flint -- worked for Ford Motor Co. for 37 years until retirement two years ago. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. in the 8300 block of South 48th Avenue in Oceana County's Claybanks Township.
Trucker killed in Rankin County crash
January 21, Jackson, Mississippi - A Mississippi trucker was killed early Tuesday when his 18-wheeler crashed on I-20 in Rankin County, spilling at least 2,000 gallons of gasoline and closing both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate for about 12 hours. Authorities say the westbound rig, belonging to Greenwood-based Mims Oil Co., swerved onto the median between the downtown and east Brandon exits and flipped just before 7 a.m. The driver, Charles White of Louise, was pronounced dead at a Jackson hospital, Brandon Police Chief Ken McBroom said. White, 39, had been a Mims employee since 2003.
Man killed at NW Harris County warehouse
January 21, Houston, Texas - A dispute over where trash should be placed led to the fatal shooting of one man at a northwest Harris County warehouse business park Tuesday night, authorities said. Witnesses told investigators that the owner of Angelique's Paint and Blast body shop and employees of Espinoza All About Gutters— both businesses located in warehouse offices in the 11900 block of Proctor— had an ongoing dispute all day over where trash was being placed, said Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Sgt. Ben Beall. Investigators learned the body shop owner, whose identity was not released, was upset because employees from the gutter installation company were placing construction debris next to the trash bin, instead of inside the trash bin, Beall said. Around 8:25 p.m, the body shop owner was backing a box van up against the building when an employee of the gutter company allegedly confronted the man and assaulted him, Beall said. The gutter company employee, whose identity also was not released, pulled out a gun and threatened the body shop owner, who then pulled out his own gun and shot the man, killing him, Beall said.
Torrance County mourns fallen officer Hit by car on I-40 Monday night
January 20, Estancia, New Mexico - It's a sad day for Torrance County following the death of a sheriff's deputy struck by a car on Interstate 40 during a traffic stop on Monday night. Deputy Dominique Smith had helped another officer pull over a vehicle on Interstate 40 in Moriarty at a about 6 p.m. The traffic stop turned into a drug investigation, and New Mexico State Police reported Smith was standing in the traffic lane when a car entering I-40 from an on-ramp struck him. A medical helicopter airlifted Smith to University of New Mexico Hospital where he later died. Smith, 30, is believed to be the first Torrance County deputy killed in the line of duty.
Worker killed in accident at Woodlands company
January 20, Houston, Texas - Authorities are investigating the death of a Woodlands worker in an apparent job-site accident on Monday. Curtis Green, 33, was working on the loading dock at Martin-Brower Co. at 800 Trade Center Parkway in The Woodlands when he was injured, said Montgomery County Sheriff’s officials. Investigators believe Green got caught between a truck backing up and the loading dock. Emergency medical crews were treating Green when deputies arrived at the company shortly after 12:30 p.m. Green was transferred to Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands, where he was pronounced dead at 2:25 p.m., officials said.
Woman shot at Albuquerque smoke shop
January 20, Albuquerque, New Mexico - Bernalillo County deputies are investigating a fatal shooting at a smoke shop next door to their substation in Albuquerque's south valley. The woman -- an employee -- was shot once in the stomach and died at University of New Mexico Hospital. Her name was not immediately released. Deputies were called to the shooting at the L & N Hoppin Hydros Smoke Shop last evening.
Clay County tow-truck worker killed in mishap
January 21, Jacksonville, Florida - An A1 Towing worker was killed this morning trying to re-position a towed semi back into place on a tow truck. The semi had slipped off at the property of A1 Towing in the 3000 block of Joe Johns Road about 5 a.m. in Middleburg. The two employees were attempting to move it back on when it slipped again and rolled onto 35-year-old Danny E. Little of Orange Park, the Sheriff's Office said.
Ohio police officer dies after being hit by truck
January 19, Boston Heights, Ohio - A northeast Ohio police officer has died after being hit by a truck while retrieving debris from a roadway. The State Highway Patrol says Boston Heights police Officer Jarod Dean died early Monday when he was hit by a small vending company truck on state Route 8 near the Ohio Turnpike overpass. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say Dean, of Hudson, had been dispatched to the road to pick up debris. His cruiser was parked in a turning lane with its overhead lights on. Sheppard says the 24-year-old Dean had worked for the village of Boston Heights for about six months.
Cab Driver Alexandria's First Homicide Victim of '09
January 19, Alexandria, Virginia - A cab driver was shot to death in Alexandria, Va., Sunday, in what police said is the city's first homicide of 2009. Alexandria police found 50-year-old Khalil Siddiqi of Fairfax, Va., unresponsive in his vehicle at the intersection of Princess Street and Buchanan Street. He had suffered a gunshot wound to his upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to investigators.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Weekly Toll: Death in the American Workplace
Complacency Cited In Fatal Highwall Collapse at Texas Mine
Jan. 12, A supervisor knew about the hazard but failed to make sure it was corrected before unstable material came down on shovel operator Thomas E. Farmer, according to the federal agency. Some 42 tons of sand poured down beside the shovel. It pinned Farmer against the shovel track in a standing position, neck-deep. Miners dug with hands, hard hats and hand shovels while giving artificial ventilation and watching out for more slides. Use of a bulldozer was thought too likely to cause another slide. Emergency medical services, arriving at 5:48 a.m., found Farmer beyond help. Farmer was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene at 6:43 a.m. Death was attributed to crushing injuries and asphyxia.
Temporary Gap in Floor Fatal to Contract Worker, MSHA Finds
Greenly County, AZ - An unguarded floor opening used for lowering tools and equipment caused the death of Ramon A. Saldana, who fell 28 feet this September 1 at the Freeport-McMoRan Morenci surface copper mine in Greenlee County, Ariz., MSHA has determined. The witness shouted for help. His co-workers called the company dispatcher. Emergency medical services responded. Saldana was pronounced dead at 11:49 a.m. Death was attributed to blunt force trauma. Saldana, 67, had worked in mines for 46 years, 43 years at this mine and the remaining 3 as a consultant with the independent contractor, the MSHA investigator reported.
Mud, Broken Hinge Factored In Mechanic's Death Under Bulldozer
Mar. 12, Fayette County, WV - Contract mechanic John G. Workman died when a compartment cover that had a broken hinge came down on him as he worked under a bulldozer, investigators with MSHA and the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training have reported. Additional support, investigators concluded, could have kept the massive cover immobile and prevented the accident last March 12 at the Appalachian Fuels, LLC, Alloy Preparation Plant #1 in Fayette County, W.Va. Workman, 47, had about 20 years of mining experience, according to investigators.
Site of Fall From Railcar at General Chemical Had High Injury Rate
Nov. 12, Sweetwater County, WY - A material handler sustained serious injuries in
falling between two railcars on November 12 at the General Chemical Soda Ash Partners' General Chemical Mill in Sweetwater County, Wyo., MSHA and company reports indicated. Preliminary information from MSHA was that Robert Loader, 59, was engaged in loading bulk railcars. According to the company, he was walking on top of one of the cars near the scale when he fell. Loader reportedly had more than 30 years of mining experience, all at the same operation, and had worked in his current job for about 2 years.
Contractor Dies From Carbon Monoxide
Dec. 7, Leslie County KY - Independent contractor Paul Shepherd, 42, died of carbon monoxide poisoning at the ICG Hazard, LLC, Thunder Ridge surface mine in Leslie County, Ky., on December 7, MSHA has reported. The owner of J&P Equipment Cleaning, Shepherd reportedly was cleaning mine machinery during a non-production shift on a Sunday. On-site were a total of six contract workers, a preliminary report indicated.
Injured Saskatoon construction worker requires spinal surgery
Dec. 12, Phoenix, AZ - On Wednesday, just after 4 p.m., Falcon was bending over to pick up some tools at the Broadway Avenue construction site of a luxury condominium complex when 23-year-old Andrew Smith fell from scaffolding. Even though Falcon broke Smith’s fall, the younger man died at the scene. Falcon turned 35 on Thursday.
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Sept. 17, Marion, IL - James M. Adams, 56 died on Sept 17 after fighting a fire on the surface area of the Mach Mining LLC coal mine. He was an independent contractor working for K.D. Crain & Sons.
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Oct. 11, Giradeau County, MO - Thomas Eftink, 67, died at the Lone Star Quarry and Mill in Cap Girardeau County, Missouri on Oct 11. MSHNews reports that "he was a self-employed farmer and a member of the National Guard. Survivors include is wife of 45 years, four children and 14 grandchildren and step-grandchildren."
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Oct. 9, Eureka County, NV - Ronald Keen, 56, was killed on Oct 9 at the Newmont Mining surface gold mine in Eureka County, Nevada. An Elko Daily News report says he is survived by his wife as well as two sons from a previous marriage.
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Oct. 1, Montgomery County, Texas - Martimiano Torres, 37 died on Oct 1 at Hallett Materials Hueni Plant (dredging operation) in Montgomery County, Texas. At about 5:40 am, his pickup truck went over or through a berm on the mine property and he went into a 35-foot pond. A story in the Houston Chronicle said he was coming off the night shift. MSHNews reports "Torres' family became concerned when he did not return home and contacted the mine, leading to a 3-hour search in the 35-foot deep pond."
Jan. 12, A supervisor knew about the hazard but failed to make sure it was corrected before unstable material came down on shovel operator Thomas E. Farmer, according to the federal agency. Some 42 tons of sand poured down beside the shovel. It pinned Farmer against the shovel track in a standing position, neck-deep. Miners dug with hands, hard hats and hand shovels while giving artificial ventilation and watching out for more slides. Use of a bulldozer was thought too likely to cause another slide. Emergency medical services, arriving at 5:48 a.m., found Farmer beyond help. Farmer was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene at 6:43 a.m. Death was attributed to crushing injuries and asphyxia.
Temporary Gap in Floor Fatal to Contract Worker, MSHA Finds
Greenly County, AZ - An unguarded floor opening used for lowering tools and equipment caused the death of Ramon A. Saldana, who fell 28 feet this September 1 at the Freeport-McMoRan Morenci surface copper mine in Greenlee County, Ariz., MSHA has determined. The witness shouted for help. His co-workers called the company dispatcher. Emergency medical services responded. Saldana was pronounced dead at 11:49 a.m. Death was attributed to blunt force trauma. Saldana, 67, had worked in mines for 46 years, 43 years at this mine and the remaining 3 as a consultant with the independent contractor, the MSHA investigator reported.
Mud, Broken Hinge Factored In Mechanic's Death Under Bulldozer
Mar. 12, Fayette County, WV - Contract mechanic John G. Workman died when a compartment cover that had a broken hinge came down on him as he worked under a bulldozer, investigators with MSHA and the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training have reported. Additional support, investigators concluded, could have kept the massive cover immobile and prevented the accident last March 12 at the Appalachian Fuels, LLC, Alloy Preparation Plant #1 in Fayette County, W.Va. Workman, 47, had about 20 years of mining experience, according to investigators.
Site of Fall From Railcar at General Chemical Had High Injury Rate
Nov. 12, Sweetwater County, WY - A material handler sustained serious injuries in
falling between two railcars on November 12 at the General Chemical Soda Ash Partners' General Chemical Mill in Sweetwater County, Wyo., MSHA and company reports indicated. Preliminary information from MSHA was that Robert Loader, 59, was engaged in loading bulk railcars. According to the company, he was walking on top of one of the cars near the scale when he fell. Loader reportedly had more than 30 years of mining experience, all at the same operation, and had worked in his current job for about 2 years.
Contractor Dies From Carbon Monoxide
Dec. 7, Leslie County KY - Independent contractor Paul Shepherd, 42, died of carbon monoxide poisoning at the ICG Hazard, LLC, Thunder Ridge surface mine in Leslie County, Ky., on December 7, MSHA has reported. The owner of J&P Equipment Cleaning, Shepherd reportedly was cleaning mine machinery during a non-production shift on a Sunday. On-site were a total of six contract workers, a preliminary report indicated.
Injured Saskatoon construction worker requires spinal surgery
Dec. 12, Phoenix, AZ - On Wednesday, just after 4 p.m., Falcon was bending over to pick up some tools at the Broadway Avenue construction site of a luxury condominium complex when 23-year-old Andrew Smith fell from scaffolding. Even though Falcon broke Smith’s fall, the younger man died at the scene. Falcon turned 35 on Thursday.
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Sept. 17, Marion, IL - James M. Adams, 56 died on Sept 17 after fighting a fire on the surface area of the Mach Mining LLC coal mine. He was an independent contractor working for K.D. Crain & Sons.
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Oct. 11, Giradeau County, MO - Thomas Eftink, 67, died at the Lone Star Quarry and Mill in Cap Girardeau County, Missouri on Oct 11. MSHNews reports that "he was a self-employed farmer and a member of the National Guard. Survivors include is wife of 45 years, four children and 14 grandchildren and step-grandchildren."
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Oct. 9, Eureka County, NV - Ronald Keen, 56, was killed on Oct 9 at the Newmont Mining surface gold mine in Eureka County, Nevada. An Elko Daily News report says he is survived by his wife as well as two sons from a previous marriage.
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Oct. 1, Montgomery County, Texas - Martimiano Torres, 37 died on Oct 1 at Hallett Materials Hueni Plant (dredging operation) in Montgomery County, Texas. At about 5:40 am, his pickup truck went over or through a berm on the mine property and he went into a 35-foot pond. A story in the Houston Chronicle said he was coming off the night shift. MSHNews reports "Torres' family became concerned when he did not return home and contacted the mine, leading to a 3-hour search in the 35-foot deep pond."
Weekly Toll: Death in the American Workplace
Racial motive in slaying of black bowling alley worker, police say
Jan. 17, Los Angeles, CA - Three Canoga Park gang members have been charged in what police describe as the racially motivated murder of a black bowling alley worker in December in Canoga Park. James Shamp, a 48-year-old father of two, was throwing out the trash outside the Canoga Bowl when a car loaded with gang members pulled up next to him, authorities said. One of the men pulled out a gun and fatally shot Shamp in the chest, said homicide Det. David Peteque of the Los Angeles Police Department. Shamp was pronounced dead at the scene.
Madison man killed, Basking Ridge woman hospitalized in Parkway crash
Jan. 16, Newark, NJ - A livery cab crashed this afternoon on the Garden State Parkway in Clark, killing the driver and severely injuring a passenger, state police said. Ernest Wagner, 70, of Madison, died after the Mercury Grand Marquee cab he was driving veered off the southbound lane, slid down an embankment, and ran into a tree, police said.
Worker Falls to Death at PrecisionAire in Bartow
Jan. 16, Bartow, FL - worker fell from a roof to his death today at the construction site at PrecisionAire in Bartow, according to Bartow police. Samuel Paul Oakley, 41, of Bartow was working on the roof of a building at 100 N. Crown Ave. and fell about 30 feet, police said. Oakley was employed by SEMCO Construction. Bartow Fire and Rescue responded to PrecisionAire at 12:44 p.m. and took Oakley to Bartow Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, Sgt. David Wyant said in a news release.
Worker fell from forklift in accident, state agency says
Jan. 15, Yuma County, AZ - An industrial accident in east Yuma County that claimed a life this week resulted when a worker fell from a pallet supported by a forklift, according to the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Carl Cook, of Bingham Equipment, said the accident happened on Dec. 24 and involved one of the company's employees. "It's a real tragedy," Cook said. "He was a valued friend and employee." Cook added, out of respect for the family, he preferred not to release the employee's name. The employee died in a Phoenix hospital Wednesday.
Worker Found Dead at CPS Energy Plant
Jan. 16, San Antonio, TX - Bexar County Deputies are investigating what is believed to be an accidental death at a CPS Energy power plant on the Southeast Side. A CPS Energy employee found the body of Horatio Sepulveda just before 7:00 a.m. Thursday at the power plant on Gardner near Calaveras Lake. Officials say Sepulveda was a construction worker for Calaveras Power Partners Construction. Employees told News 4 WOAI he likely fell from some scaffolding at the plant.
OSHA fines Somers auto shop following Vernon man’s death
Jan. 15, Somers, CT — The Hartford area office of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has levied a $4,725 fine against an automotive shop where a Vernon man was killed last year. The man, Frank Guadagnino, 68, died Sept. 22 when a cement wall he was building fell on top of him at Leveille’s Auto Recyclers on Egypt Road.
Board cites poor weather in helicopter crashes
Jan. 15, Chicago, IL - Federal safety investigators said Thursday that flying at night in poor weather conditions contributed to three medical helicopter crashes that killed 12 people. The National Transportation Safety Board blamed a fourth crash on Dec. 30, 2007 near Cherokee, Ala., on flying too low over trees as the EMS helicopter searched for a lost hunter. The pilot, a paramedic and a flight nurse were killed. The board released the probable cause of the four crashes and information on five others. All total, 35 people were killed in nine EMS helicopter crashes since December 2007
Construction worker who fell to his death identified
Jan. 15, San Antonio, TX - A construction worker apparently fell to his death at the site of CPS Energy’s new coal plant on Calaveras Lake on Thursday morning. Horatio Sepulveda, a scaffolding builder with Calaveras Power Partners, died in what the company and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office are calling an accident. It occurred between 6:30 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. at the construction site in southeast San Antonio, said company spokesman Jeff Coyle. “Part of what they’re trying to figure out is what exactly he was doing this morning,” Coyle said. “Everybody's hearts are broken about it.”
Worker killed when tractor overturns
Jan. 15, St. Francisville, LA - A worker was killed when a tractor overturned at a construction site off La. Highway 421. West Feliciana Parish sheriff's detective Terry McKneely said the victim, 38-year-old Jeremy Slade of Greensburg, was 1 of 3 men working on a large metal building on private property. McKneely said Slade was using the large tractor and an extended boom to lift and move steel beams about 1 p.m Wednesday when the load apparently shifted and caused the machine to overturn.
Crucible employee killed in industrial accident
Jan. 19, Geddes, NY – An employee for the Crucible Steel Company was killed in an industrial accident at the plant Thursday morning. 911 received a call shortly after 9:30am to report the incident. We’re told a worker was attempting to connect a water line to a machine, when he lost his balance, and was pulled into, and dragged through the machine. The victim, identified as John Grobsmith, 58, of Elbridge, was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Power plant worker killed in on site industrial accident
Jan. 15, Fruitland, New Mexico — A 56-year-old Four Corners Power Plant worker was killed Tuesday in an industrial accident, plant officials said. The victim was identified Wednesday as Kirtland resident Glen Harrison, who worked for 29 years at the facility located in Fruitland. Harrison at the time of the accident was working with environmental control equipment designed to remove pollution from gases from the facility, plant Manager David Saliba said. The root cause of death is unknown.
Trash worker killed on the job in Rockland Township
Jan. 15, Rockland Township, PA - A worker was killed Wednesday morning when he was hit by a pickup truck while collecting trash in Rockland Township, state police said. The worker, Steven D. Barrell, who is employed by Clifford Hill Sanitation Service in Kutztown, was part of a two-person trash-hauling crew when he was struck by the pickup truck about 8:30 on Fredericksville Road, troopers said. Barrell, 50, of Kutztown was pinned between the pickup truck and the garbage truck, according to police.
Macon sanitation worker dies after being hit by a car near Lake Tobesofkee
Jan. 14, Mcaon, GA - A sanitation worker died this morning after being struck by a car, according to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones. Timothy Vest, 31, an employee of Southland Waste Systems, jumped off the back of a sanitation truck in the 6900 block of Mosely Dixon Road and stepped into the path of a westbound vehicle at 8:18 a.m., Jones said. Vest, of Culver Street in Macon, was taken to The Medical Center of Central Georgia where he was pronounced dead at 8:58 a.m., Jones said.
Lufkin native killed in copter crash a recent A&M grad
Jan. 13, Houston, TX - The Army lieutenant killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash on the Texas A&M University campus had just graduated from the school last month, U.S. Army officials said Tuesday. Second Lt. Zachary Cook, a Lufkin native, was killed during the training exercise, which happened in front of numerous witnesses Monday afternoon.Cook was a passenger on the Texas Army National Guard’s helicopter that plummeted to the ground just seconds after takeoff.
Auburn Logging Accident Victim Identified Falling Tree Kills Buckfield Man
Jan. 13, Auburn, ME -- A self-employed logging contractor was struck by a falling tree and died instantly in an accident at 282 Hershey Hill Road in Auburn, the Auburn Police Department said. The victim has been identified as Bernard John Hackett, of Buckfield. The incident is being investigated as a workplace fatality and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has been notified.
Boston firefighter killed in truck crash mourned
Jan. 13, Quincy, MA —Thousands of firefighters from the U.S. and Canada have gathered to pay their respects to Boston Fire Lt. Kevin Kelley. A wake was held Tuesday in Quincy for the veteran firefighter who died when the ladder truck he was on careened down a steep hill and crashed into an apartment building on Huntington Avenue. The accident on Friday prompted the fire department to order immediate inspections of the brake systems on dozens of other city fire trucks. A funeral Mass for the 52-year-old Kelley is scheduled for Wednesday at St. Ann Church.
Worker Killed In Kenosha Industrial Accident
Jan. 13, Kenosha, WI - A worker died Tuesday morning after getting pinned between two castings at Kenosha Steel Castings. Joseph E. Golec, 46, of Kenosha, had been lifting a 3,700 pound metal casting with an overhead crane. He was standing in a work area operating the crane with a control panel when it appears the casting collided with an adjacent casting, which then struck Golec and pinned him between two castings, according to Kenosha police.He was concious and talking when rescue crews extricated him. He was later pronounced dead at Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center.
Driver killed in semi crash identified
Jan. 13, Elwood, NE - A Bayard, Neb., truck driver was killed in a crash this morning in Elwood, Neb. Michael Thompson, 40, was driving a semi southbound on U.S. 283 about 6:43 a.m. when he missed a corner and overcorrected, said Deb Collins, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska State Patrol. The truck rolled onto its side and struck a light pole, Collins said. Thompson was not wearing a seat belt. Authorities closed part of the highway as the crash was investigated and cleaned up.
Robbery Reported At Store Where Employee Was Killed
Jan. 13, Greensboro, NC - Less than three months after an employee at Red Mike's Grocery was shot and killed during an armed robbery, the store has been robbed again, Greensboro police said. Police said two men armed with handguns wearing all black clothing stole cash from the business Monday evening. The men were last seen running east on Lindsay Street. No injuries were reported. Muhammad "Mike" Ali, an employee at the store, was shot and killed while working at the store last November. No arrests have been made in the case.
I am not positive that the man who died was a worker
Death Reported at Littrell Lumber
Jan. 12, Huntsville, AL - Decatur Police report the following: On 1-12-09 at about 9:32am, DecaturFire and Rescue responded to an industrial accident at Littrell Lumber on Old Moulton Rd. Upon arrival, the determination was made that a white male had been struck by a forklift on the property of the lumber mill. The male was pronounced dead at the scene. The death appears to be accidental. The victim has been identified as Roy "Leon" WInton, 6/17/64 of Somerville, AL.
Worker dies in fall from billboard
Jan. 11, New Orleans, LA - A man working on a billboard plunged to his death Friday after accidentally receiving an electrical shock, New Orleans authorities said. About noon, Guy Willmon, 30, climbed a ladder attached to a 30-foot-high billboard near the corner of Tulane Avenue and South Rendon Street, hauling a metal object over his shoulder, said officer Garry Flot, an NOPD spokesman. When Willmon reached the top, the object touched an electrical wire, and Willmon received a shock, Flot said. An autopsy later revealed that Willmon died from injuries he sustained in the fall, not from the electric current, Gagliano said.
Worker killed in crane accident near Weleetka
Jan. 12, Weleetka, OK - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a Tulsa man has been killed while trying to remove a piece of heavy machinery from a county road. Troopers say 41-year-old Lucio Reyes died Monday in the accident in Okfuskee County about two miles west of Weleetka. Investigators say workers were trying to remove a boom from a crane to repair it when the boom came loose and pinned Reyes underneath.
Charlotte teen dies after mud hole collapses
Jan. 12, Charlotte Harbor, FL — A 15-year-old boy died Sunday afternoon after he ventured into a pit at a construction site and the walls collapsed, burying him alive in a slurry of water and sand, according to sheriff's officials. The boy was one of three sons helping their father install concrete culverts on a site where a parking lot is to be built, said Charlotte County Sheriff's spokesman Bob Carpenter.
Jan. 17, Los Angeles, CA - Three Canoga Park gang members have been charged in what police describe as the racially motivated murder of a black bowling alley worker in December in Canoga Park. James Shamp, a 48-year-old father of two, was throwing out the trash outside the Canoga Bowl when a car loaded with gang members pulled up next to him, authorities said. One of the men pulled out a gun and fatally shot Shamp in the chest, said homicide Det. David Peteque of the Los Angeles Police Department. Shamp was pronounced dead at the scene.
Madison man killed, Basking Ridge woman hospitalized in Parkway crash
Jan. 16, Newark, NJ - A livery cab crashed this afternoon on the Garden State Parkway in Clark, killing the driver and severely injuring a passenger, state police said. Ernest Wagner, 70, of Madison, died after the Mercury Grand Marquee cab he was driving veered off the southbound lane, slid down an embankment, and ran into a tree, police said.
Worker Falls to Death at PrecisionAire in Bartow
Jan. 16, Bartow, FL - worker fell from a roof to his death today at the construction site at PrecisionAire in Bartow, according to Bartow police. Samuel Paul Oakley, 41, of Bartow was working on the roof of a building at 100 N. Crown Ave. and fell about 30 feet, police said. Oakley was employed by SEMCO Construction. Bartow Fire and Rescue responded to PrecisionAire at 12:44 p.m. and took Oakley to Bartow Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, Sgt. David Wyant said in a news release.
Worker fell from forklift in accident, state agency says
Jan. 15, Yuma County, AZ - An industrial accident in east Yuma County that claimed a life this week resulted when a worker fell from a pallet supported by a forklift, according to the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Carl Cook, of Bingham Equipment, said the accident happened on Dec. 24 and involved one of the company's employees. "It's a real tragedy," Cook said. "He was a valued friend and employee." Cook added, out of respect for the family, he preferred not to release the employee's name. The employee died in a Phoenix hospital Wednesday.
Worker Found Dead at CPS Energy Plant
Jan. 16, San Antonio, TX - Bexar County Deputies are investigating what is believed to be an accidental death at a CPS Energy power plant on the Southeast Side. A CPS Energy employee found the body of Horatio Sepulveda just before 7:00 a.m. Thursday at the power plant on Gardner near Calaveras Lake. Officials say Sepulveda was a construction worker for Calaveras Power Partners Construction. Employees told News 4 WOAI he likely fell from some scaffolding at the plant.
OSHA fines Somers auto shop following Vernon man’s death
Jan. 15, Somers, CT — The Hartford area office of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has levied a $4,725 fine against an automotive shop where a Vernon man was killed last year. The man, Frank Guadagnino, 68, died Sept. 22 when a cement wall he was building fell on top of him at Leveille’s Auto Recyclers on Egypt Road.
Board cites poor weather in helicopter crashes
Jan. 15, Chicago, IL - Federal safety investigators said Thursday that flying at night in poor weather conditions contributed to three medical helicopter crashes that killed 12 people. The National Transportation Safety Board blamed a fourth crash on Dec. 30, 2007 near Cherokee, Ala., on flying too low over trees as the EMS helicopter searched for a lost hunter. The pilot, a paramedic and a flight nurse were killed. The board released the probable cause of the four crashes and information on five others. All total, 35 people were killed in nine EMS helicopter crashes since December 2007
Construction worker who fell to his death identified
Jan. 15, San Antonio, TX - A construction worker apparently fell to his death at the site of CPS Energy’s new coal plant on Calaveras Lake on Thursday morning. Horatio Sepulveda, a scaffolding builder with Calaveras Power Partners, died in what the company and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office are calling an accident. It occurred between 6:30 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. at the construction site in southeast San Antonio, said company spokesman Jeff Coyle. “Part of what they’re trying to figure out is what exactly he was doing this morning,” Coyle said. “Everybody's hearts are broken about it.”
Worker killed when tractor overturns
Jan. 15, St. Francisville, LA - A worker was killed when a tractor overturned at a construction site off La. Highway 421. West Feliciana Parish sheriff's detective Terry McKneely said the victim, 38-year-old Jeremy Slade of Greensburg, was 1 of 3 men working on a large metal building on private property. McKneely said Slade was using the large tractor and an extended boom to lift and move steel beams about 1 p.m Wednesday when the load apparently shifted and caused the machine to overturn.
Crucible employee killed in industrial accident
Jan. 19, Geddes, NY – An employee for the Crucible Steel Company was killed in an industrial accident at the plant Thursday morning. 911 received a call shortly after 9:30am to report the incident. We’re told a worker was attempting to connect a water line to a machine, when he lost his balance, and was pulled into, and dragged through the machine. The victim, identified as John Grobsmith, 58, of Elbridge, was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Power plant worker killed in on site industrial accident
Jan. 15, Fruitland, New Mexico — A 56-year-old Four Corners Power Plant worker was killed Tuesday in an industrial accident, plant officials said. The victim was identified Wednesday as Kirtland resident Glen Harrison, who worked for 29 years at the facility located in Fruitland. Harrison at the time of the accident was working with environmental control equipment designed to remove pollution from gases from the facility, plant Manager David Saliba said. The root cause of death is unknown.
Trash worker killed on the job in Rockland Township
Jan. 15, Rockland Township, PA - A worker was killed Wednesday morning when he was hit by a pickup truck while collecting trash in Rockland Township, state police said. The worker, Steven D. Barrell, who is employed by Clifford Hill Sanitation Service in Kutztown, was part of a two-person trash-hauling crew when he was struck by the pickup truck about 8:30 on Fredericksville Road, troopers said. Barrell, 50, of Kutztown was pinned between the pickup truck and the garbage truck, according to police.
Macon sanitation worker dies after being hit by a car near Lake Tobesofkee
Jan. 14, Mcaon, GA - A sanitation worker died this morning after being struck by a car, according to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones. Timothy Vest, 31, an employee of Southland Waste Systems, jumped off the back of a sanitation truck in the 6900 block of Mosely Dixon Road and stepped into the path of a westbound vehicle at 8:18 a.m., Jones said. Vest, of Culver Street in Macon, was taken to The Medical Center of Central Georgia where he was pronounced dead at 8:58 a.m., Jones said.
Lufkin native killed in copter crash a recent A&M grad
Jan. 13, Houston, TX - The Army lieutenant killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash on the Texas A&M University campus had just graduated from the school last month, U.S. Army officials said Tuesday. Second Lt. Zachary Cook, a Lufkin native, was killed during the training exercise, which happened in front of numerous witnesses Monday afternoon.Cook was a passenger on the Texas Army National Guard’s helicopter that plummeted to the ground just seconds after takeoff.
Auburn Logging Accident Victim Identified Falling Tree Kills Buckfield Man
Jan. 13, Auburn, ME -- A self-employed logging contractor was struck by a falling tree and died instantly in an accident at 282 Hershey Hill Road in Auburn, the Auburn Police Department said. The victim has been identified as Bernard John Hackett, of Buckfield. The incident is being investigated as a workplace fatality and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has been notified.
Boston firefighter killed in truck crash mourned
Jan. 13, Quincy, MA —Thousands of firefighters from the U.S. and Canada have gathered to pay their respects to Boston Fire Lt. Kevin Kelley. A wake was held Tuesday in Quincy for the veteran firefighter who died when the ladder truck he was on careened down a steep hill and crashed into an apartment building on Huntington Avenue. The accident on Friday prompted the fire department to order immediate inspections of the brake systems on dozens of other city fire trucks. A funeral Mass for the 52-year-old Kelley is scheduled for Wednesday at St. Ann Church.
Worker Killed In Kenosha Industrial Accident
Jan. 13, Kenosha, WI - A worker died Tuesday morning after getting pinned between two castings at Kenosha Steel Castings. Joseph E. Golec, 46, of Kenosha, had been lifting a 3,700 pound metal casting with an overhead crane. He was standing in a work area operating the crane with a control panel when it appears the casting collided with an adjacent casting, which then struck Golec and pinned him between two castings, according to Kenosha police.He was concious and talking when rescue crews extricated him. He was later pronounced dead at Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center.
Driver killed in semi crash identified
Jan. 13, Elwood, NE - A Bayard, Neb., truck driver was killed in a crash this morning in Elwood, Neb. Michael Thompson, 40, was driving a semi southbound on U.S. 283 about 6:43 a.m. when he missed a corner and overcorrected, said Deb Collins, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska State Patrol. The truck rolled onto its side and struck a light pole, Collins said. Thompson was not wearing a seat belt. Authorities closed part of the highway as the crash was investigated and cleaned up.
Robbery Reported At Store Where Employee Was Killed
Jan. 13, Greensboro, NC - Less than three months after an employee at Red Mike's Grocery was shot and killed during an armed robbery, the store has been robbed again, Greensboro police said. Police said two men armed with handguns wearing all black clothing stole cash from the business Monday evening. The men were last seen running east on Lindsay Street. No injuries were reported. Muhammad "Mike" Ali, an employee at the store, was shot and killed while working at the store last November. No arrests have been made in the case.
I am not positive that the man who died was a worker
Death Reported at Littrell Lumber
Jan. 12, Huntsville, AL - Decatur Police report the following: On 1-12-09 at about 9:32am, DecaturFire and Rescue responded to an industrial accident at Littrell Lumber on Old Moulton Rd. Upon arrival, the determination was made that a white male had been struck by a forklift on the property of the lumber mill. The male was pronounced dead at the scene. The death appears to be accidental. The victim has been identified as Roy "Leon" WInton, 6/17/64 of Somerville, AL.
Worker dies in fall from billboard
Jan. 11, New Orleans, LA - A man working on a billboard plunged to his death Friday after accidentally receiving an electrical shock, New Orleans authorities said. About noon, Guy Willmon, 30, climbed a ladder attached to a 30-foot-high billboard near the corner of Tulane Avenue and South Rendon Street, hauling a metal object over his shoulder, said officer Garry Flot, an NOPD spokesman. When Willmon reached the top, the object touched an electrical wire, and Willmon received a shock, Flot said. An autopsy later revealed that Willmon died from injuries he sustained in the fall, not from the electric current, Gagliano said.
Worker killed in crane accident near Weleetka
Jan. 12, Weleetka, OK - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a Tulsa man has been killed while trying to remove a piece of heavy machinery from a county road. Troopers say 41-year-old Lucio Reyes died Monday in the accident in Okfuskee County about two miles west of Weleetka. Investigators say workers were trying to remove a boom from a crane to repair it when the boom came loose and pinned Reyes underneath.
Charlotte teen dies after mud hole collapses
Jan. 12, Charlotte Harbor, FL — A 15-year-old boy died Sunday afternoon after he ventured into a pit at a construction site and the walls collapsed, burying him alive in a slurry of water and sand, according to sheriff's officials. The boy was one of three sons helping their father install concrete culverts on a site where a parking lot is to be built, said Charlotte County Sheriff's spokesman Bob Carpenter.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Weekly Toll: Death in the American Workplace
INDOT worker dies on the job
Jan. 11, West Lafayette, IN - Indiana State Police Sergeant Kim Riley said 73-year-old David Windler of Fowler died while working on a front end loader at 5:56 p.m. Saturday. Riley said Windler slipped, fell and struck his head on the concrete. Riley said Windler was taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Windler was working at a garage in the Fowler Subdistrict.
White Plains man killed in construction accident
Jan. 10, Warwick, NY - A 57-year-old White Plains man died yesterday after he was run over by a truck at a construction site on IBM Corp. property in Warwick, N.Y., police and family members said. Pietro Giorgio, of 35 Clinton Ave., was taken to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla where he died, according to the medical examiner. An autopsy is pending. Tuxedo police Sgt. Patrick Welsh, who was among the first to respond to the scene, said the accident happened about 11:30 a.m. at the Long Meadow Road site.
Last weekend's helicopter crash shakes up offshore workers
Jan. 10, New Orleans, LA - Natalie Colon was on an oil rig deep in the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 4 when word spread that a helicopter carrying a crew of offshore workers crashed in Terrebonne Parish, killing eight people. The news chilled her. Four years working as an offshore technician has made helicopter travel about as daunting to Colon as a commute across Lake Pontchartrain by car. But the fatal accident gave her no choice but to acknowledge the unique perils of her trade.
Delays on New Haven Line After Railroad Employee Killed
Jan. 9, Westchester, CT - There were extended delays on Metro-North’s New Haven Line tonight after a railroad worker was struck and killed in Westchester County, railroad officials said. Service was suspended at about 7 p.m. because of the accident west of the Rye station. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., Metro-North said outbound service from Grand Central had been resumed with delays of about an hour.
City Worker Crushed to Death at Sewage Plant in Brooklyn
Jan. 9, Brooklyn, NY - A New York City wastewater treatment plant worker was killed early Friday when a temporary conveyor belt collapsed, crushing him under its steel supports, city officials said. As the men got the device outside the doors, it twisted or buckled in the middle and fell on Gennaro Montello, 45, a Department of Environmental Protection worker since 2001, the officials said. The conveyor belt, which had been on wheels, was too heavy for the workers to lift by hand, but a contractor with a forklift used his machinery to pick it up, freeing Mr. Montello. Emergency workers arrived moments later, officials said.
Man Trapped in Grain Bin Dies
Jan. 7, Scott County, MO - An 84-year-man died Wednesday in a grain bin accident near Oran. It happened on County Road 277 in Scott County. Authorities say Herschel Gilpin was working with his son on a farm they rent when he became trapped in the grain bin. Rescue crews arrived quickly, but it was too late for Gilpin.
Robbers shoot, kill bartender execution-style
Jan. 8, Atlanta, GA - Bartender John Henderson was quick to pick up a bar tab for a friend and just as quick to tell a mouthy customer to pipe down.“He’s just a straight person,” friend Gene Leath said. “He doesn’t beat around the bush.” With his bushy black hair, Henderson was a well-known face in the Cabbagetown and Grant Park area, having bartended for a couple years at Six Feet Under, a popular bar and restaurant on a stretch of Memorial Drive known as the “Memorial Corridor,” near Oakland Cemetery and just east of downtown Atlanta. Henderson, 27, was shot and killed execution-style during a robbery early Wednesday at a bar where he was waiting tables, Standard Food & Spirits, just down the street from Six Feet Under.
Man remembered for generosity, darn good banana bread
Jan. 7, Downers Grove, IL - A green bicycle was wheeled through the hallway of a Downers Grove funeral home Friday as friends and family of Tom Swatek cried and laughed, recalling memories of the time they spent with the avid bicyclist and runner. Swatek, 53, of Woodridge, was struck and killed by a Dumpster Jan. 7, while loading trash into a truck at Sears Hardware, 925 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. He was an employee of Veolia Environmental Services, a waste management company in Melrose Park.
Industrial Accident in Eunice Kills One
Jan. 8, Lafayette, LA - Funeral arrangements are being made in St. Landry parish for a teenager killed in an industrial accident. It happened at Sattler Supply on South Bobcat Drive in Eunice. Police say an 800 pound engine fell from a machine and rolled over 18-year-old Ricky Miller. He was later pronounced dead at Acadian Medical Center. The incident remains under investigation.
Grant Park bar worker remembered during vigil
Jan. 7, Macon, GA - Friends and neighbors of a popular bar worker killed in a robbery at a Grant Park restaurant are remembering him during a vigil. The gathering is being held from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday at Standard Food and Spirits in memory of bartender and waiter John Henderson. The 27-year-old Henderson died at Grady Memorial Hospital just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, about three hours after he was shot during the robbery.
Worker dies two weeks after accident on the new Twin Spans construction
Jan, 7, New Orleans, LA - A worker who fell 30 feet into Lake Pontchartrain after an accident on the new Twin Spans under construction last month has died. Tilden Billiot, 65, a longtime Westwego resident, died late Tuesday, Robert S. Boh, president of Boh Bros. Construction Co., said Wednesday afternoon in a statement. Billiot was injured Dec. 23 when his small crane tipped over the side of the eastbound portion of the new elevated highway being built over Lake Pontchartrain and he fell into the water about 20 yards from the north shore.
Construction Worker Dies On Long Island
Jan. 7, New York, NY - A worker has died after a portion of a concrete foundation collapsed on him at a construction site on Long Island. The victim of Monday's accident has been identified as 33-year-old Facundo Gonzalez of Farmingville. Police say he was trapped and crushed to death at the Southampton site.
Fayette Expressway worker killed
Jan. 7, Pittsburgh, PA - A Westmoreland County man died of an apparent electrocution while working yesterday on the Mon-Fayette Expressway link in Fayette County. Ralph W. Greely, 51, of Monessen, had been working on high voltage lines along the construction project in Redstone when co-workers reported seeing a bright flash around 11 a.m., Fayette County Deputy Coroner Jessie Langer said today. Workers on the ground told authorities Mr. Greely, an employee of U.S. Utility Contracting Co., had been working from a bucket hoisted up to the power lines. Other workers did not see Mr. Greely after the flash of light, and they brought down the bucket.
8 dead, 1 hurt after chopper crashes in La. marsh
Jan. 5, Gibson, LA — Authorities searched a southern Louisiana marsh by boat Monday for clues that might determine what caused a helicopter crash that killed eight people bound for an offshore oil platform. The helicopter, operated by PHI Inc., crashed Sunday afternoon shortly after taking off, said Richard Rovinelli, a company spokesman. Two pilots and seven passengers were aboard when the helicopter went down in rural Terrebonne Parish, about 100 miles southwest of New Orleans. The passengers worked for two Shell Oil Co. contractors and the company said they were on their way to its Gulf of Mexico platform.
Dallas officer killed while serving warrant
Jan. 6, Dallas, TX — A police officer was shot and killed while he and other gang-unit officers were attempting to serve a warrant. Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle said Sr. Cpl. Norman Smith died in the shooting. Smith had been in the gang unit for 14 years and would have celebrated his 18th anniversary with the department Wednesday. The shooting happened about 6 p.m. in southeast Dallas. Three people were taken into custody for questioning.
Mourners remember Elizabeth firefighter killed in line of duty
Jan. 5, Veteran firefighter Gary Stephens would have been more than a little embarrassed by all the attention. Monday morning, more than 1,000 firefighters, police officers and EMTs from around the state poured into Elizabeth to honor their fallen colleague, who died Friday after being injured at the scene of house fire. Stephens, a 28-year veteran of the Elizabeth Fire Department, never sought the limelight, fire chief Edward Sisk said. In fact, Stephens hated any fanfare directed his way. Stephens, who was 57, liked to travel and looked forward to days spent out on the water, at the Shore, where he went fishing and sailing with his wife.
1 killed in Charlotte industrial accident
Jan. 6, Charlotte, NC - One person was killed in an industrial accident in north Charlotte on Tuesday. It happened at CMEX Inc., located in the 9500 block of Metromont Industrial Boulevard off Statesville Road. The Charlotte Fire Department says workers were attempting CPR on the man when paramedics arrived. He died at the scene. Investigators say the man was trapped in a machine that stacks cinder blocks.
Man dies in dump-truck accident
Jan. 6, Kalispell, MT - A 35-year-old Kalispell man was crushed to death when the hydraulics on a dump truck failed Monday afternoon as he tried to repair the truck. The accident occurred just north of Two Mile Drive adjacent to Glenwood Drive, according to a press release from the Kalispell Police Department. Kalispell police say the victim and another man were clearing snow in a construction parking lot Monday afternoon when the equipment malfunctioned. The box of the dump truck was raised while the two men were working between the box and the frame of the truck. When the hydraulic system apparently lost pressure, the box fell, trapping one of the men. The man's name has not been released until family members are notified.
Victim of work fatality from Elizabethtown
Jan. 6, Lousiville, KY - An Elizabethtown woman was killed when she was hit by a truck at the Kentucky Distribution Center at Old Henry Road near Middletown early this morning. Henri “Hank” Poulsen, 68, was pronounced dead of multiple injuries at the scene, Jefferson County deputy coroner Jo-Ann Farmer said. Poulsen was attempting to hook up a trailer to her truck cab when she was struck by another truck shortly after 5 a.m., Louisville Metro Police spokeswoman Alicia Smiley said.Poulsen was a long-time driver for Indiana-based Summit Truck Lines, Farmer said.
Prosecutor: Metra Officer Killed For His Gun
Jan. 5, Chicago, IL - Metra Police officer Thomas Cook was killed for his gun, prosecutors alleged on Monday, two years after the 43-year-old father of two was shot in the head. "On that night, he was sitting in his uniform, in a marked vehicle, and he was executed by two individuals," Metra Police Chief James Sanford said. According to investigators, 20-year-old Jeremy Lloyd is one of those individuals. Lloyd was refused bail Monday by a Cook County Judge. He remains in jail, chargd with murder and armed robbery.
Jan. 11, West Lafayette, IN - Indiana State Police Sergeant Kim Riley said 73-year-old David Windler of Fowler died while working on a front end loader at 5:56 p.m. Saturday. Riley said Windler slipped, fell and struck his head on the concrete. Riley said Windler was taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Windler was working at a garage in the Fowler Subdistrict.
White Plains man killed in construction accident
Jan. 10, Warwick, NY - A 57-year-old White Plains man died yesterday after he was run over by a truck at a construction site on IBM Corp. property in Warwick, N.Y., police and family members said. Pietro Giorgio, of 35 Clinton Ave., was taken to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla where he died, according to the medical examiner. An autopsy is pending. Tuxedo police Sgt. Patrick Welsh, who was among the first to respond to the scene, said the accident happened about 11:30 a.m. at the Long Meadow Road site.
Last weekend's helicopter crash shakes up offshore workers
Jan. 10, New Orleans, LA - Natalie Colon was on an oil rig deep in the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 4 when word spread that a helicopter carrying a crew of offshore workers crashed in Terrebonne Parish, killing eight people. The news chilled her. Four years working as an offshore technician has made helicopter travel about as daunting to Colon as a commute across Lake Pontchartrain by car. But the fatal accident gave her no choice but to acknowledge the unique perils of her trade.
Delays on New Haven Line After Railroad Employee Killed
Jan. 9, Westchester, CT - There were extended delays on Metro-North’s New Haven Line tonight after a railroad worker was struck and killed in Westchester County, railroad officials said. Service was suspended at about 7 p.m. because of the accident west of the Rye station. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., Metro-North said outbound service from Grand Central had been resumed with delays of about an hour.
City Worker Crushed to Death at Sewage Plant in BrooklynJan. 9, Brooklyn, NY - A New York City wastewater treatment plant worker was killed early Friday when a temporary conveyor belt collapsed, crushing him under its steel supports, city officials said. As the men got the device outside the doors, it twisted or buckled in the middle and fell on Gennaro Montello, 45, a Department of Environmental Protection worker since 2001, the officials said. The conveyor belt, which had been on wheels, was too heavy for the workers to lift by hand, but a contractor with a forklift used his machinery to pick it up, freeing Mr. Montello. Emergency workers arrived moments later, officials said.
Man Trapped in Grain Bin Dies
Jan. 7, Scott County, MO - An 84-year-man died Wednesday in a grain bin accident near Oran. It happened on County Road 277 in Scott County. Authorities say Herschel Gilpin was working with his son on a farm they rent when he became trapped in the grain bin. Rescue crews arrived quickly, but it was too late for Gilpin.
Robbers shoot, kill bartender execution-style
Jan. 8, Atlanta, GA - Bartender John Henderson was quick to pick up a bar tab for a friend and just as quick to tell a mouthy customer to pipe down.“He’s just a straight person,” friend Gene Leath said. “He doesn’t beat around the bush.” With his bushy black hair, Henderson was a well-known face in the Cabbagetown and Grant Park area, having bartended for a couple years at Six Feet Under, a popular bar and restaurant on a stretch of Memorial Drive known as the “Memorial Corridor,” near Oakland Cemetery and just east of downtown Atlanta. Henderson, 27, was shot and killed execution-style during a robbery early Wednesday at a bar where he was waiting tables, Standard Food & Spirits, just down the street from Six Feet Under.
Man remembered for generosity, darn good banana bread
Jan. 7, Downers Grove, IL - A green bicycle was wheeled through the hallway of a Downers Grove funeral home Friday as friends and family of Tom Swatek cried and laughed, recalling memories of the time they spent with the avid bicyclist and runner. Swatek, 53, of Woodridge, was struck and killed by a Dumpster Jan. 7, while loading trash into a truck at Sears Hardware, 925 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. He was an employee of Veolia Environmental Services, a waste management company in Melrose Park.
Industrial Accident in Eunice Kills One
Jan. 8, Lafayette, LA - Funeral arrangements are being made in St. Landry parish for a teenager killed in an industrial accident. It happened at Sattler Supply on South Bobcat Drive in Eunice. Police say an 800 pound engine fell from a machine and rolled over 18-year-old Ricky Miller. He was later pronounced dead at Acadian Medical Center. The incident remains under investigation.
Grant Park bar worker remembered during vigil
Jan. 7, Macon, GA - Friends and neighbors of a popular bar worker killed in a robbery at a Grant Park restaurant are remembering him during a vigil. The gathering is being held from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday at Standard Food and Spirits in memory of bartender and waiter John Henderson. The 27-year-old Henderson died at Grady Memorial Hospital just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, about three hours after he was shot during the robbery.
Worker dies two weeks after accident on the new Twin Spans construction
Jan, 7, New Orleans, LA - A worker who fell 30 feet into Lake Pontchartrain after an accident on the new Twin Spans under construction last month has died. Tilden Billiot, 65, a longtime Westwego resident, died late Tuesday, Robert S. Boh, president of Boh Bros. Construction Co., said Wednesday afternoon in a statement. Billiot was injured Dec. 23 when his small crane tipped over the side of the eastbound portion of the new elevated highway being built over Lake Pontchartrain and he fell into the water about 20 yards from the north shore.
Construction Worker Dies On Long Island
Jan. 7, New York, NY - A worker has died after a portion of a concrete foundation collapsed on him at a construction site on Long Island. The victim of Monday's accident has been identified as 33-year-old Facundo Gonzalez of Farmingville. Police say he was trapped and crushed to death at the Southampton site.
Fayette Expressway worker killed
Jan. 7, Pittsburgh, PA - A Westmoreland County man died of an apparent electrocution while working yesterday on the Mon-Fayette Expressway link in Fayette County. Ralph W. Greely, 51, of Monessen, had been working on high voltage lines along the construction project in Redstone when co-workers reported seeing a bright flash around 11 a.m., Fayette County Deputy Coroner Jessie Langer said today. Workers on the ground told authorities Mr. Greely, an employee of U.S. Utility Contracting Co., had been working from a bucket hoisted up to the power lines. Other workers did not see Mr. Greely after the flash of light, and they brought down the bucket.
8 dead, 1 hurt after chopper crashes in La. marsh
Jan. 5, Gibson, LA — Authorities searched a southern Louisiana marsh by boat Monday for clues that might determine what caused a helicopter crash that killed eight people bound for an offshore oil platform. The helicopter, operated by PHI Inc., crashed Sunday afternoon shortly after taking off, said Richard Rovinelli, a company spokesman. Two pilots and seven passengers were aboard when the helicopter went down in rural Terrebonne Parish, about 100 miles southwest of New Orleans. The passengers worked for two Shell Oil Co. contractors and the company said they were on their way to its Gulf of Mexico platform.
Dallas officer killed while serving warrant
Jan. 6, Dallas, TX — A police officer was shot and killed while he and other gang-unit officers were attempting to serve a warrant. Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle said Sr. Cpl. Norman Smith died in the shooting. Smith had been in the gang unit for 14 years and would have celebrated his 18th anniversary with the department Wednesday. The shooting happened about 6 p.m. in southeast Dallas. Three people were taken into custody for questioning.
Mourners remember Elizabeth firefighter killed in line of duty
Jan. 5, Veteran firefighter Gary Stephens would have been more than a little embarrassed by all the attention. Monday morning, more than 1,000 firefighters, police officers and EMTs from around the state poured into Elizabeth to honor their fallen colleague, who died Friday after being injured at the scene of house fire. Stephens, a 28-year veteran of the Elizabeth Fire Department, never sought the limelight, fire chief Edward Sisk said. In fact, Stephens hated any fanfare directed his way. Stephens, who was 57, liked to travel and looked forward to days spent out on the water, at the Shore, where he went fishing and sailing with his wife.
1 killed in Charlotte industrial accident
Jan. 6, Charlotte, NC - One person was killed in an industrial accident in north Charlotte on Tuesday. It happened at CMEX Inc., located in the 9500 block of Metromont Industrial Boulevard off Statesville Road. The Charlotte Fire Department says workers were attempting CPR on the man when paramedics arrived. He died at the scene. Investigators say the man was trapped in a machine that stacks cinder blocks.
Man dies in dump-truck accident
Jan. 6, Kalispell, MT - A 35-year-old Kalispell man was crushed to death when the hydraulics on a dump truck failed Monday afternoon as he tried to repair the truck. The accident occurred just north of Two Mile Drive adjacent to Glenwood Drive, according to a press release from the Kalispell Police Department. Kalispell police say the victim and another man were clearing snow in a construction parking lot Monday afternoon when the equipment malfunctioned. The box of the dump truck was raised while the two men were working between the box and the frame of the truck. When the hydraulic system apparently lost pressure, the box fell, trapping one of the men. The man's name has not been released until family members are notified.
Victim of work fatality from Elizabethtown
Jan. 6, Lousiville, KY - An Elizabethtown woman was killed when she was hit by a truck at the Kentucky Distribution Center at Old Henry Road near Middletown early this morning. Henri “Hank” Poulsen, 68, was pronounced dead of multiple injuries at the scene, Jefferson County deputy coroner Jo-Ann Farmer said. Poulsen was attempting to hook up a trailer to her truck cab when she was struck by another truck shortly after 5 a.m., Louisville Metro Police spokeswoman Alicia Smiley said.Poulsen was a long-time driver for Indiana-based Summit Truck Lines, Farmer said.
Prosecutor: Metra Officer Killed For His GunJan. 5, Chicago, IL - Metra Police officer Thomas Cook was killed for his gun, prosecutors alleged on Monday, two years after the 43-year-old father of two was shot in the head. "On that night, he was sitting in his uniform, in a marked vehicle, and he was executed by two individuals," Metra Police Chief James Sanford said. According to investigators, 20-year-old Jeremy Lloyd is one of those individuals. Lloyd was refused bail Monday by a Cook County Judge. He remains in jail, chargd with murder and armed robbery.
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