Here are how some workers were killed on the job over the past couple of weeks: falls, animal attacks, forklifts, grain bin, explosion, electrocution, tree care, vehicle incidents and shootings. 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.
Worker Dies After Fall In Newark Elevator Shaft
Newark, NJ — A male worker died on May 11 as a result of injuries sustained in an elevator shaft at a 12-story former children’s hospital being converted into residences in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Being redeveloped by Newark-based Hanini Group, the 123,500-ft2 property was initially slated to be converted into a hotel, but, noting its proximity to Newark Penn Station, the developer opted to transform the midcentury building into “the epitome of transit-oriented luxury living.” The company did not respond to a request for comment on May 12 as the incident remains under investigation.
Tree trimmer dies after being rescued from 50-foot palm tree
Phoenix, AZ — A tree trimmer died after police said he became stuck in a 50-foot palm tree. Phoenix police said on Sunday, May 11 that Jaime Yepiz, 43, died of his injuries after he was hospitalized in “extremely critical condition,” according to the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. Yepiz was rescued the day before by Phoenix firefighters, who used chainsaws to free him from the palm tree’s “skirt”, the dried fronds that hang from the trunk, that fell on him. “Firefighters ultimately used chainsaws from the bucket of a ladder truck to cut away palm fronds and secure the man and lower him down from the tree,” Phoenix Fire Department spokesman Capt. Scott Douglas told the Republic.
Construction worker killed on the job at luxury building site in NJ
Newark, NJ — A worker was found dead at a construction site in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday morning, according to the authorities. Officers responded to a call of a worker injured in an elevator shaft at 10 Commerce Court just after 9 a.m., police say. The worker was pronounced dead just before 10 a.m. and the incident is now under investigation, officials report. According to a list from the real estate developer, 10 Commerce Court is set to be a luxury apartment building near Newark Penn Station.
Construction Worker dies on site, Union claims questionable workplace practices
Meriden, CT — A construction worker is dead after a workplace incident in Meriden this week. While city police say they are investigating how the death happened, a local union spokesperson noted that a long list of questionable workplace practices could have contributed to the man’s death. “We’re devastated, trying to make sense of it all,” said Miguel Fuentes, representing the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. Edwin Guzman died in the workplace accident Wednesday at a construction site along Bee Street. “It’s a tragedy for his family. The young man was just trying to make a living like anyone else,” said Fuentes.
East Bay worker killed in industrial accident
Brentwood, CA — An East Bay worker who was killed in an industrial accident this week is being remembered by his family as a devoted father who put the needs of others before his own. The worker was fatally injured at a repaving construction site on Walnut Boulevard in Brentwood on May 5, the Brentwood Police Department said. The accident involved a skid loader, police said, and the worker was pinned by a large piece of machinery. Police said the 54-year-old Petaluma man died at the scene. His daughter, Salma, identified the victim as Telesforo Torres Lopez. Lopez found joy in working hard for his family, “and he took his final breath doing so,” Salma wrote.
Lineman killed by falling tree
Birmingham, AL — A man contracted by Alabama Power died on Satruday while on duty. Jeffrey Scott Duffie, 57, of Daviston, was killed by a falling tree while making power line repairs just before 10:30 a.m. Duffie, an employee of Utility Line Construction Services, was pronounced dead on the scene in the 1900 block of 21st Avenue South. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service crews said Saturday that one other person was injured and taken to a local hospital. There is no word on the person’s condition.
Maintenance Worker Killed After Falling into Underground Vault
Riverside County, CA — A maintenance worker died after falling into a vault at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas in the 1000 block of Pinehurst Lane in Palm Desert on Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025. According to the Riverside County Fire Department, the incident was reported at approximately 10:20 a.m. as a confined space rescue. CAL FIRE stated that the worker had fallen about 20 feet into a manhole while working inside the vault. Due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, air monitoring was conducted, and specialized equipment was used by rescue crews during the operation. Authorities confirmed the worker was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death is under investigation by the coroner’s office, and CAL OSHA is also responding to investigate the workplace incident.
Police officer killed by friendly fire during search for suspect
Rayne, LA — A Rayne police lieutenant was killed in the line of duty while executing a search warrant tied to a stabbing, the department announced. Lt. Allen “Noochie” Credeur, 48, was fatally shot by friendly fire around 1:27 p.m. on May 5 as officers attempted to locate a suspect involved in a stabbing incident, according to the Rayne Police Department. Despite efforts to provide immediate medical aid, Credeur died at the scene. Credeur began his career with Rayne Police as a reserve officer in December 2003 and became full-time in 2005. Over the next 20 years, he became known not just for his police work, but also for his deep involvement in youth programs and community outreach. In 2014, he stepped into the role of D.A.R.E. officer, where he mentored local students and worked to strengthen the department’s connection with Rayne’s youth. He also volunteered extensively with youth athletics, coaching and guiding young people both on and off duty. Credeur is survived by his fiancée, Danielle Demette, and his brother, Sgt. Joseph Credeur, who also serves with the department. The Louisiana State Police is conducting an investigation into the shooting.
Two workers dead from electrocution
Camp Springs, MD — Two cousins are dead after an apparent electrocution at a church in Prince George’s County. Two men working on the roof of the First Baptist Church of Camp Springs were electrocuted and killed. Police say the incident was an accident. At around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, two men using a ladder to do roofing work at the church came into contact with a 7,000-volt power line. “They put the ladder up and when they put the ladder up it went in between the two wires. When they went to go lay it onto the roof it hit the wire and then they couldn’t get away from it because they were already charged. They couldn’t get away from it,” said witness Lionel Jewell. Family members say the two men were cousins, originally from El Salvador. The Carroll County, Maryland-based company the men worked for had no comment when reached by FOX 5 DC.
UTA worker dies from injuries suffered in hit-and-run
Murray, UT — A worker who was critically injured when he was hit by an SUV while working on a railway for the Utah Transit Authority last month has died. Madrid was one of two UTA employees working on the rails near the 5900 South rail crossing early in the morning on April 24 when they were hit by an SUV traveling east. Two other employees who witnessed the incident rushed to their side and started providing first aid until medics arrived on scene, UTA said. Both injured employees were taken to the hospital, with one in critical condition and the other in serious condition. One of the men was released from the hospital on April 26, according to a GoFundMe page organized to help pay for the men’s medical bills. That man is “thankfully at home recovering,” UTA’s statement says. The driver who hit the UTA workers initially left the scene of the crash but later turned himself in to Murray police, who are investigating the incident.
Mexican Navy tall ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, killing two Sailors
New York City, NY — Two Mexican sailors died after a Mexican Navy sailing ship festooned with lights and a giant flag crashed into the landmark Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, shearing the top of its masts. A female cadet and a male Marine died from their injuries, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters on Sunday. Two of the injured remained in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon, the New York Police Department said. Sheinbaum said Mexico’s Navy was investigating the cause of the crash and that injured cadets were “doing better.” The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating. New York police said mechanical issues had probably caused the crash, without providing further details.
Mechanic Killed in Industrial Accident
San Francisco, CA — Alfredo Romero, a 61-year-old longtime Recology mechanic from Fremont, died Friday morning at the company’s recycling facility on Tunnel Avenue, located on the San Francisco and Brisbane border. Recology has not released any details as they investigate the incident. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also launched an investigation. Romero, a member of Teamsters Local 350, was remembered by the union in a public statement expressing shock and sorrow over his death. Brother Romero was more than a skilled tradesman, he was a dependable coworker, a dedicated union brother, and a vital part of our Local 350 family. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him, and it is a heartbreaking reminder that the waste industry remains one of the most dangerous professions in the country. Recology emphasized that safety is its top priority and said it is fully cooperating with authorities.
Semi-Truck Driver Dies in single vehicle I-80 Collision
Carbon County, PA — A truck driver died in a single-vehicle accident while driving a tractor-trailer in Carbon County on May 16. According to news report, the 23-year-old truck driver was driving on I-80 east in Kidder Township when he struck multiple tree in the center median around 8 a.m. The Carbon County Coroner pronounced him dead on the scene. No word on what caused the truck accident.
Kentucky firefighter dies responding to tornado damage
Laurel County, KY — A Laurel County firefighter died Saturday morning after being injured while responding to storm damage. Officials with the Laurel County Fire Department posted on social media that Major Roger Leslie Leatherman was a dedicated public servant for nearly four decades. The department did not share how he died. Officials wrote in the post, “This is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day and the incredible bravery they show in the face of disaster.”
Employee killed, multiple injured in shooting at Las Vegas gym
Las Vegas, NV — A Las Vegas Athletic Club employee was killed and multiple other people were shot after a gunman entered and rapidly fired a weapon. In a social media post, the LVAC said longtime employee Edgar Quinonez passed away in the midst of the shooting. Quinonez spent 15 years with the locally owned gym chain. His colleagues described him as a source of kindness and a dedicated worker spreading positivity. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a news release they arrived at the gym Friday afternoon after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, police said the suspected gunman exited the gym and tried to run past the officers, leading them to fire at the suspect. After they took him into custody, the suspect was rendered medical aid. He died later at a nearby hospital, police said. It is unclear what the gunman’s motive was. Police did not release his identity.
Worker killed in fuel container explosion
Bexar County, TX— A worker was killed in an explosion involving equipment and a fuel container, police said. The Bexar County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 39-year-old Andrew Libby, and the cause of death was announced as a blast injury to the head. SAPD says Libby was at a storage unit at a facility at Camp Stanley on Ralph Fair Road around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday. Police said some type of fuel container exploded, killing Libby. He was reportedly doing welding work on the container, which workers thought was empty. No one else was hurt in the incident.
Semi-Truck Driver killed in single vehicle accident
Hot Spring County, AR — A truck driver was killed about 7 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025 in a fiery wreck on Arkansas 9 south of Malvern. According to a preliminary Arkansas State Police report, the driver, whose identity has not been released, was driving a 2006 model Mack CK north on the highway. The truck feared to the right, struck a culvert and went airborne. It struck several trees on landing and caught fire, becoming fully engulfed in flames. The victim died at the scene. The weather was clear and the road was dry.