How Workers Died over the past few weeks: Heat, drowning, workplace violence, electrocution, shootings, falls, explosions, building collapse, vehicle incidents. On average, over 100 workers are killed every week in the United States due to traumatic injuries suffered at work. More than 20 times as many die from occupational diseases, many due to exposure to hazardous substances many years before they died. The few narratives below (gathered from almost 100 Google News searches) do not come close to capturing the full toll that work takes on the working people of this country. Nevertheless the accounts below gave you a taste of the preventable carnage occurring in workplaces across the country every day.
Workplace accident results in fatality
Crawfordsville, IL — A workplace accident Wednesday in the parking lot of the north plant of Lakeside Book Co. has resulted in the death of an Illinois man. Emergency personnel with the Crawfordsville Fire and Police departments responded were dispatched a 8:03 a.m. to a report of traumatic injuries at 1009 Sloan St. Medics found Adam Raad, 42, of Alsip, Illinois, at the back of a flatbed semi-trailer. Raad, a truck driver for Fast Line Trucking based in Chicago Illinois, was treated at the scene and transported to Franciscan Health Crawfordsville. He was pronounced dead at the hospital and the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office was contacted. The semi-truck and trailer involved in this incident was driven by 34-year-old Mahmoud Mousa of Burbank, Illinois. Mousa, also is a truck driver for Fast Line trucking.
LA County firefighter dies in explosion near Palmdale
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – A Los Angeles County firefighter died in the line of duty in an industrial area near Palmdale on Friday. SkyFOX was at the scene in the 6500 block of East Avenue where a Caterpillar truck was completely destroyed in a fire. The explosion killed Andrew Pontious and a second firefighter was rushed to the hospital. Both are with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Amazon’s Worst Nightmare: Thousands Canceling LA County Fire said Pontious was a 19-year veteran. The surviving firefighter is expected to be released from the hospital at some point this weekend, Marrone said.
34-year-old killed in work-related accident on I-20 in Thomson
THOMSON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 34-year-old has died after an accident while working alongside I-20 at the Thomson exit on Wednesday, according to the McDuffie County Coroner’s Office. Daniel Hernandez, 34, of North Carolina, and employee of third-party contractor Lovin’ Contractors died after an accident while working along side of I-20 at the Thomson exit on Wednesday, according to the McDuffie County Deputy Coroner. McDuffie County Deputy Coroner, J. Foster Wylie says he was called to the scene of I-20, exit 172, westbound to a fatal accident that took the life of Hernandez. Hernandez was cutting the grass on a very steep slope near exit 172, when the tractor tipped over, a co-worker told Wylie. Wylie says when he arrived, Hernandez has been thrown from the tractor and was pronounced dead at the scene.
One person dies after construction work shifted a structural foundation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — One person died after a structure collapsed on top of a person Thursday night during a construction project. Authorities at the scene confirmed that one person was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in serious condition. The building was a shed or possibly a small suite at one point on the back of the property, authorities said. The structure’s foundation shifted, which collapsed and pinned the person underneath.
CVS cashier describes deadly security guard shooting in Fremont
FREMONT, Calif. – A security guard was shot and killed during his shift at a CVS in Fremont on Thursday night, authorities said. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office identified the guard as 41-year-old Abakr Mohamed Amin. The incident happened around 11 p.m. at a CVS Pharmacy located within the Fremont Hub shopping center, according to the Fremont Police Department. Officers said witnesses reported that the security guard had gotten into a verbal altercation with someone at the store. It is unclear what the argument was about. The cashier told KTVU that it all started when a male customer came into the store with a large backpack and refused to turn it over to the guard when he was asked to do so. The cashier said he radioed the security guard to ask him to keep an eye on the customer, but not to make him feel like he was being targeted. The altercation quickly escalated into a violent encounter. The cashier said the two became hostile with each other. They yelled profanities and racial remarks at one another, the cashier said. “I heard two gunshots,” the cashier said. “I looked over and saw the security guard fall down, face flat in front of the electronic section.”
One dead after industrial accident in NW Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — One person has been killed in an industrial accident near W Reno Avenue and N Ann Arbor Avenue on Friday afternoon. News 4 has a crew headed to the scene and will provide updates when more information becomes available.
Truck Driver Killed
Henry County, IN — One person was killed and another was injured following a two-truck accident along Interstate Highway 70. According to authorities, the accident took place in the westbound lanes of Interstate Highway 70 between Wilbur Wright Road and C.R. 375. 1 Killed, 1 Injured in Two-truck Accident on I.H. 70 near Spiceland, IN. The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an 18-wheeler failed to safely maintain its lane of travel, veering off of the roadway and crashing through a cable barrier before colliding with a second 18-wheeler. The occupant of the truck that went through the barrier suffered reportedly fatal injuries as a result of the wreck.
Utility employee dies while working on Choctaw Indian Reservation
CHOCTAW RESERVATION, Miss. – According to Misty Brescia, a representative of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, an employee working for a contractor for MaxxSouth died while at work. Brescia said the name of the individual has not been made public.
Maine tree trimmer dies after bucket touches power lines
Peru, ME — A Peru man died Saturday afternoon when the bucket lift he was in touched power lines. Gilles Anctil, 81, was trimming trees on Greenwoods Road in Peru when the boom and bucket he was operating touched power lines, according to the Sun Journal. That sparked a fire, and bystanders tried unsuccessfully to free Anctil from the bucket. He died at the scene, the Journal reported. His death remains under investigation.
Peekskill community mourns loss of caseworker who died after being assaulted on the job
Peekskill, NY — The Peekskill community is mourning the loss of a caseworker who died after being assaulted while on the job. Maria Coto, 56, worked for the Westchester County Department of Social Services. Peekskill police said she died on Wednesday as a result of the injuries she sustained from an assault that took place back in May at an apartment located at 900 South St. Police have since apprehended Hasseem Jenkins, 31, in connection with the assault. He’s charged with attempted murder and assault and remains in custody at Westchester County Jail. Now that Coto has died, police told News 12 that they will now work with the District Attorney’s Office to pursue appropriate charges since the circumstances have changed. News 12 spoke to resident Monty Parks about the tragic loss that is rocking his community. “I was really shocked by it. It’s [a] really unfortunate situation,” Parks said. “My sympathy goes out to the family. The county said it provided escort services to staff in the past but after this incident, it will expand security escorts to staff who are on home visits.
Mainer dies after becoming trapped under tractor
Jefferson, ME — A man died Monday after he became trapped under a tractor in Jefferson. Shawn Hickey, 53, was likely trying to attach a piece of equipment to the tractor on South Clary Road about noon Monday when he became trapped under its rear wheels, according to ABC affiliate WMTM. His death remains under investigation, and the Maine medical examiner’s office in Augusta will determine his cause of death, WMTW reported.
Person found dead after reported explosion in Queens
COLLEGE POINT, Queens, NY – A person was found dead after an explosion was reported in Queens Tuesday morning, authorities said. The explosion was reported at 31-40 College Point Blvd. in College Point around 8 a.m., according to the FDNY. FDNY fire marshals and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are investigating the incident, authorities said.
Worker dies at Whitestown Waste Management; 2nd death in 6 months
WHITESTOWN, Ind. — For the second time in approximately six months, a worker at Waste Management in Whitestown has died in what police called a “workplace accident.” On Tuesday, shortly after 2 p.m., the Whitestown Police Department was called to the Waste Management facility at 6252 South Indianapolis Road after receiving a report of a person struck and seriously injured. Police said first responders arrived on scene and pronounced the employee dead as a result of traumatic injury. Police said the employee was struck by a work vehicle in what is being called a workplace accident. The deceased was identified as Johnny Williams, 59, of Indianapolis. Boone County Coroner Justin Sparks confirmed that the death was accidental and that Williams had died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries. IOSHA confirmed the worker’s death and said a safety-compliance inspection has been initiated at the Waste Management location. Just last December, 44-year-old Anthony Osby of Indianapolis died while working at the same Waste Management facility. Osby was struck by a “several thousand-pound concrete block” that fell on him on Dec. 11, 2023, during another reported workplace accident.
Worker dies after falling from roof at Rocky River police station
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — An investigation is underway after a 63-year-old man died Wednesday morning after falling from the roof of the Rocky River police station. Police say the man–– a sub-contracted electrician from Alabama — was found unconscious on the ground in the parking lot at the station around 10:40 a.m. Rocky River police say he was pronounced dead at the scene. “At this time, there are no indicators of foul play,” according to Rocky River police. The death investigation is being handled by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office. Police say the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified.
Construction worker drowns in Palm Beach Gardens lake
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — A construction worker died late Wednesday afternoon when he drowned while on the job in Palm Beach Gardens, according to police. The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department reported that first responders were called shortly before 4:30 p.m. to the Gardens of Woodberry community after learning of the drowning. Palm Beach Fire Rescue divers pulled the worker from the lake, and he was taken to the hospital where the man was pronounced dead. PBGPD did not release the man’s name.
Construction worker dies after collapsing on scaffolding in Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A construction worker died from heat exposure at the Omni Hotel in Providence on June 18, according to city officials. Providence police and fire personnel responded to a call of a construction worker in medical distress at the Omni on Tuesday. The Providence Police Department said that the worker was on scaffolding 40 feet in the air when he experienced a “medical episode” and collapsed. A foreman on the site told police that the crew had taken breaks and were trying to stay hydrated due to the high humidity and 91 degree temperature. The department added that another worker called for help and poured water on the victim’s face “in an effort to wake him up.” Firefighters attempted CPR on the victim, who was transported to Rhode Island Hospital and later pronounced dead.
Worker falls 20 – 45 feet from tree in Alpharetta
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A Georgia tree cutter fell 20 to 45 feet from a tree while working Wednesday morning. The incident happened around 8:40 a.m. on Broadwell Oaks Drive in Alpharetta. When police got to the scene, EMS units were already performing CPR on the 51-year-old man. He was rushed to the hospital where he died on Wednesday, according to a GoFundMe created in his honor. The worker was later identified as 51-year-old Manuel Moran. According to the GoFundMe, Moran leaves behind a family with three kids.
1 person killed when large panes of glass fall from work truck in southwest Houston, officials say
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An investigation is underway after one person died at a facility in southwest Houston on Thursday, according to officials. The Houston Fire Department said two workers were removing large panes of glass from a shipping container on a large truck in the 5800 block of the Southwest Freeway. The department told Eyewitness News that the workers intended to remove them one at a time, but the entire stack collapsed at some point. SkyEye was above the scene at about noon when rescue operations could be seen at the back of the truck. One person died at the scene, and another was taken to the hospital, according to first responders.
OSHA investigating worker death in Beaver County
NEW BRIGHTON, Pa. (WKBN) – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating a deadly accident that happened in Beaver County on Thursday. OSHA said the employer is Rudzik Excavating, Inc., a company based in Struthers. The accident happened in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. The Beaver County Coroner identified the worker as Frank Vickers, 48, from Boardman Ohio. OSHA has up to six months to complete its investigation into the incident. OSHA has investigated Rudzik Excavating four other times from February 2020 through October 2023. One was based on a complaint. The other three were either planned, a referral or program-related. One of those investigations resulted in OSHA finding one violation, leading to a serious citation and a fine.
Scottsdale police detective, Navy veteran dies in line of duty
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (KPNX) — A Scottsdale police officer has died following a weapon discharge Thursday evening. A rifle fell out of a bag being unloaded from a police vehicle, hitting the ground and then discharging a bullet that hit the officer. In a brief news conference just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, the Scottsdale Police Department identified the officer as Detective Ryan So. So’s passing is only the second death in the line of duty in the department’s history after the death of Sergeant Thomas Hontz in 2002. The Scottsdale Police Department said the preliminary investigation conducted by the Mesa Police Department revealed the following: Upon completing the service of a search warrant and arrest operation, detectives from the Special Assignment Unite were unloading equipment from a vehicle. When So moved a bag from the vehicle, a rifle inside the bag fell to the ground, and discharged after hitting the pavement. The bullet hit So.
NYC correction officer dies while on duty at Rikers Island
THE BRONX, N.Y. — A correction officer died while working at the Rikers Island jail complex on Tuesday evening, according to the NYC Department of Correction. The correction officer, identified as Robert Boom, collapsed in the Annex Yard of the Otis Bantum Correctional Center just before 5 p.m. Male detainees are housed in this area, according to the DOC’s website. Officials said fellow officers and staff from Correctional Health Services immediately activated a medical emergency and performed CPR. EMS arrived within minutes, administered emergency medical care, and transported the officer to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Veteran Westchester firefighter dies after two-year battle with 9/11-related cancer
Westchester, NY — A veteran Westchester County firefighter last died after battling a 9/11-related cancer for two years. Former Greenville Fire Chief Daniel Raftery died on Sunday. He was 74 years old. Raftery joined the department in 1973. He was fire chief until 1986 then served in that role until retiring in 2020.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Raftery led several members of his department down to the World Trade Center to assist in the search for missing civilians and first responders.
Inmate allegedly shoots, kills food service employee at Georgia prison
ATLANTA, GA — A food service employee was shot and killed at Smith State Prison in Georgia on Sunday, according to the state’s Department of Corrections. The Georgia Department of Corrections said inmate Jaydrekus Hart allegedly fatally shot a food service worker in the prison’s kitchen at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, then used the gun to kill himself. “The weapon is in GDC custody at this time, and a complete and thorough investigation of what led up to this tragic incident will be carried out,” the statement said. The slain kitchen worker, 24-year-old Aureon Shavea Grace of Statesboro, had worked at the prison since January, according to the corrections department. She was employed by Aramark, a Philadelphia-based company that provides food service for prisons in Georgia and other U.S. states. Authorities said Hart and Grace had a “personal relationship.” GDC also added that investigators discovered a suicide note from Hart.
Cicero liquor store employee shot, killed during robbery identified, authorities say
CICERO, Ill. (WLS) — A man who worked at a west suburban liquor store was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon. The 23-year-old victim was shot after he confronted two male suspects who were allegedly trying to steal a bottle of liquor, authorities said. The shooting happened around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday at Portrillo Liquors, 2126 S. Cicero Ave. One of the suspects fired a single gunshot at the victim during the robbery, a spokesperson for Cicero told ABC7. He never had issues with nobody. The sad part is he was just 23 years old… we’re in a world where there’s no humanity anymore. Norma Barito, victim’s co-worker The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Sebastian Rodriguez by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. He died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Oakland County deputy shot to death in Detroit
DETROIT, MI – Police caught three suspects shortly after an Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot Saturday night during a stolen vehicle investigation. Deputy Bradley Reckling, a nine-year veteran of the force, was part of the office’s stolen vehicle unit. They were called in after a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was stolen from Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights earlier in the day. Reckling was behind the stolen Equinox in the area of Schoenherr and Park Grove streets on Detroit’s east side around 10:50 p.m. when the vehicle suddenly stopped and people got out. The suspects started shooting, hitting Reckling in the head and chest. Two other detectives who were nearby in their own vehicles were not hit. “It was an ambush,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.
1 dead after tire explodes at a Cape Coral Firestone
Cape Coral, FL — The Cape Coral Police Department stated that one person was killed after a tire exploded inside a tire store. The explosion happened on Sunday afternoon at a Firestone on Skyline Boulevard in Cape Coral. Police on the scene confirmed that an employee was killed in the tire explosion; however, any additional injuries have not been reported.
Contractor killed after scissor lift falls on him outside Kravis Center
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A person was killed Monday morning outside the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts garage in West Palm Beach in a workplace accident. On Monday night, the West Palm Beach Police Department identified 59-year-old John Trevor Whiting of Stuart as the victim in the accident. Investigators with the West Palm Beach Police Department say the man who died was on the ramp of a flatbed truck, attempting to load a 1,500-pound scissor lift onto the ramp of the truck when the scissor lift tipped over onto him. He was pronounced dead by responding officers at the scene.
Construction worker killed in crash in Naperville
Naperville, IL — The Naperville Police Department says a construction subcontractor working for the City of Naperville was hit and killed Monday morning in the area of S. Naper Boulevard and Heatherfield Circle. Police say the 55-year-old man from Addison was hit by a Kia Sportage and was taken to an area hospital where he later died. The driver is a 74-year-old woman from Mazon. The incident occurred around 10:04 a.m. The crash remains under investigation. The road was closed for about four hours as a result of the crash.
Long-time employee found dead inside chemical storage tank at Elizabethtown manufacturing plant
Elizabethtown, Ky. (WDRB) — A man was found dead in a chemical storage tank Tuesday afternoon at a manufacturing plant in Elizabethtown. Elizabethtown police received a call around 4:30 p.m. that an employee from Metalsa was missing and never clocked out from their shift. The company searched the premises for him and found the man’s tools and cell phone near a chemical storage tank. When the company drained the tank, the man’s body was inside. The man was identified by authorities Wednesday as 57-year-old Franklin Tracy Logsdon of Campbellsville. Elizabethtown police said no foul play is suspected.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard employee found dead, investigation underway
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) employee was found dead in the shipyard’s parking lot Saturday morning. The employee was identified as Paul Britton by a spokesperson for NNSY on Monday. Britton worked in the temporary services department. He was found unresponsive in his vehicle around 6:30 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene. NCIS is investing Britton’s death, but no foul play is suspected.
DOC releases name of counselor who suffered deadly injuries in Lincoln Hills assault
IRMA, Wis. (WSAW) – The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has released the name of a youth counselor who died as a result of injuries he sustained in an assault at the youth prison. Corey Proulx, 49, and a 25-year-old female staff member were injured before 8 p.m. Monday at Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake Schools. According to the DOC, Proulx and the woman were attacked by a 16-year-old male student at the facility when he returned from outdoor recreation. Investigators said the teen assaulted Proulx, causing him to hit his head on the concrete. Proulx was flown from the school with critical injuries. The female staff member was treated for her injuries and released.
Pa. state constable dies more than a month after being involved in traffic accident
FAYETTE COUNTY, Pa. — A longtime Pennsylvania state constable from Fayette County has died from injuries sustained in a car crash more than a month prior, the Herald-Standard reported. Philip J. Michael, 51, was en route to serve a warrant on May 3 when his vehicle was struck by another driver who allegedly ran a red light, according to the report. He died on June 6.
Construction worker dies after fall from building at new Elmore County prison site
Elmore County, AL — A worker at the site of the new prison under construction in Elmore County died on Tuesday. News of the incident was first reported by Elmore Autauga News. According to the outlet, the death occurred after the unnamed worker fell from a building under construction. The construction site is temporarily shut down while the incident is investigated. The new 4,000-bed prison in Elmore County is projected to cost the state around $1.08 billion and is expected to be completed by May 2026.
Operator Dies When Excavator Plunges Down Mountain
Colorado — A Coloradan is dead after a work accident that occurred near the Fremont Canyon Power Plant not far from the small town of Alcova, Wyoming. According to K2 Radio in Casper, 65-year-old James Blevins was operating a spider excavator when he and the machine fell from the mountain, killing him. The Bureau of Reclamation earlier commissioned an Australian company called Geovert to replace four attenuator rockfall fences protecting the plant. The project began in May.