How workers died last week: Heat stroke, trapped in an industrial oven, tree care, silo collapse, overturned heavy equipment, electrocutions, shootings, 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.
A North Texas postal worker dies allegedly due to extreme heat
Dallas, TX — A postal worker died Saturday while working in the Dallas area, marking the second death of a North Texas U.S. Postal Service worker in recent years. Jacob Taylor, 51, was pronounced dead around 5:30 p.m., and the cause of death is pending, according to the Dallas County Medical Examiner. It’s not clear if Taylor’s death was heat related. Saturday’s temperatures had reached into the 90s. Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers testified before Congress earlier this week, where he began his testimony by honoring Taylor before emphasizing the job hazards letter carriers face, including extreme heat and crime Renfroe called for more protections for USPS workers. “The mail cannot be protected if the people who deliver it are not safe,” Renfroe said. “When postal workers are safe, whether from heat, crime, or anything else, the Postal Service is stronger, more efficient, more reliable and can better serve the American people.” Taylor’s death comes roughly two years after another USPS letter carrier, Eugene Gates, died while working in extreme heat. His cause of death was confirmed to be heat and heart disease. OSHA later fined USPS more than $15,000, and the incident led to calls for the Postal Service to equip its vehicles with air conditioning. Also in 2023, a McKinney-based delivery driver died from heat exhaustion when temperatures had reached over 100 degrees. Christopher Begley, a UPS veteran of nearly 30 years, was making deliveries in Farmersville when he passed out at a customer’s home. He was later hospitalized and died four days later. UPS told WFAA in 2024 Begley died of coronary conditions, arguing “the autopsy report found no connection between Chris’s death and his last day of work which was several days before he became hospitalized and died from coronary conditions.” Last year, a UPS delivery driver fainted from alleged heat exhaustion and crashed his vehicle while working one afternoon when the weather had risen up to 102 degrees. Workers and other labor union members held a rally a few days later, where they called on the company to change heat safety protocols.
Worker Dies From Sweltering Summer Temps
Cumming, GA — Last week’s record-breaking heat wave is highlighting concerns about the potential health risks facing workers. At Northside Hospital Forsyth in Cumming, Georgia, Dr. Douglas Olson, the medical director for the emergency department, said he’s seen a roughly 20% increase in heat-related visits since last year across the hospital’s five systems. “Most of the time it’s related to occupational heat exposure,” he said. “So those people that are working outside for prolonged periods — it’s been pretty rough.” The brutal temperatures in Atlanta led the death of one outdoor worker, Olson confirmed.
Umpire dies from heat stroke after falling ill during game in South Carolina
Sumter County, SC — A central South Carolina umpire died last weekend after collapsing due to heat stroke, according to officials. Mitchell Huggins, 61, was at a park working as an umpire during a softball tournament on June 21 when he passed out, reported local media outlets WIS and WACH. A bystander began performing CPR on him, then when EMS arrived, they continued trying to save Huggins, Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker told USA TODAY on June 27. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died, Baker said. An autopsy showed that Huggins died of heat stroke, and “prior heart issues” also played a role in his death, the coroner said.
17-year-old tree trimmer killed when chainsaw slices neck, OSHA says
Muskegon, MI — A teenager in Michigan is dead after a workplace accident left him with a chainsaw cut to the neck. According to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the death happened Sunday in Muskegon. MOSHA said the 17-year-old worker was cutting up a fallen tree at a home when he was cut by a chainsaw. Details are limited, but MOSHA said the homeowner came outside to find the victim lying next to the chainsaw with a laceration to the neck. MOSHA is investigating.
Wayland man dies in industrial accident in Mason County
Ludington, MI— A 24-year-old man from Wayland died following an industrial accident in Mason County, according to the Ludington Police Department. The incident occurred near the intersection of West Ludington Avenue and Robert Street. Police were dispatched to the scene this morning after reports that someone had been electrocuted and fallen off a building. Upon arrival, officers found the man unresponsive and administered lifesaving efforts. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was operating a boom lift when it came into contact with live electrical lines. The contact caused the man to fall approximately 30 feet. He was employed by a gutter installation company based in the Ada area. The Ludington Police Department is continuing its investigation into the accident.
Missouri cereal plant worker dies after getting trapped inside industrial oven
Perryville, MO — A worker at a Missouri cereal plant died after getting trapped in an industrial oven that was shut off, police said. Police in Perryville, Missouri, about 80 miles southeast of St. Louis, were called Thursday to a Gilster-Mary Lee cereal plant around 3 p.m. “for a male stuck in an industrial oven that was shut down,” according to a news release. Police and the Perry County coroner’s office identified the man as Nicolas Lopez Gomez, a 38-year-old Guatemalan national. He was working under the alias of Edward Avila, police said. The company said the worker, who had been an employee for nine years, “was fatally injured in a cereal drying system that was out of service.” It was not yet clear how the worker got trapped, and his cause of death was under investigation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been contacted about the incident and will conduct an investigation, Coroner Meghan Ellis said in a statement. “Our offices will work with them to determine how this occurred,” she said. Gilster-Mary Lee said it is working with OSHA and conducting its own investigation. Last year, a 19-year-old female employee at a Walmart in Canada was found dead inside a walk-in oven at the store’s bakery department. The death was not suspicious, police said following an investigation.
Person dies in Granada Hills landfill workplace accident involving heavy equipment
Los Angeles, CA — A person died at the scene of a heavy equipment accident at the Sunshine Canyon Landfill in Granada Hills Wednesday morning. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the death was the result of an accident involving “an overturned piece of heavy machinery” at the San Fernando Road landfill site. The identity of the person who died is not known yet, nor the cause of the accident. The Sunshine Canyon Landfill is a municipal landfill and does not accept hazardous waste. It is located near the communities of Sylmar and Granada Hills.
Worker Killed in Accidental Electrocution at Tuscaloosa’s BF Goodrich Plant
Tuscaloosa, Alabama — An investigation is underway after an accidental electrocution on Monday inside Tuscaloosa’s BF Goodrich tire manufacturing plant killed a worker there. Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, confirmed to the Thread that they are assisting an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, but stressed this is not a criminal investigation. “On June 22nd, 2025, an employee at the BF Goodrich Manufacturing Plant in Tuscaloosa was transported to DCH and then to UAB for life-threatening injuries,” Kennedy said. “The employee was exposed to high-voltage electricity and suffered severe injuries. At this time, June 25th, 2025, the patient is not expected to survive.” The victim has been identified as Jeremy Waltrip, who suffered the electrocution.
Security guard killed in shooting outside Orange County bar
Orange County, CA —A security guard was shot and killed outside a bar in unincorporated Anaheim. On June 22, Orange County sheriff’s deputies responded to a shooting outside of 99 Bottles & Cocktails. Arriving deputies found the victim, Salvador Ramirez, 48, of Fountain Valley, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries the next day. Ramirez was employed as a security guard for the bar. The shooter fled the scene before authorities arrived. Detectives believed the suspect was a Hispanic man who had left the area on foot.
32-year-old Hempstead man identified as victim in tree trimming accident
Muttontown, NY — A tree trimmer died after falling 30 feet in Muttontown. According to police, Jose Hernandez-Fuentes, 32, was working on Woodstock Court when a limb and a support limb both snapped. News 12 has been told the man suffered a severe injury and was pronounced dead at the scene. Hernandez-Fuentes was trimming branches on Woodstrock Court when both the limb he was standing on and its supporting limb suddenly snapped at around 4:15 p.m., as Daily Voice previously reported. He plummeted to the ground and suffered devastating injuries. A Nassau County Police Department medic pronounced him dead at the scene. Detectives with the Homicide Squad are investigating the fatal fall alongside the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), authorities said. Additional details about Hernandez-Fuentes’ life were not immediately available. Loved ones are invited to share a statement, funeral details, and/or photos by emailing
1 roofer killed, 3 injured after ladder comes in contact with power lines, shocking them severely
Beaver County, PA — One roofer was killed and three were injured after they were shocked while working on a roof project in Beaver County on Wednesday. The crew was working on a restoration project at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Adams Street. Eight workers were on the roof at the time of the incident when four of them were moving a ladder that came into contact with power lines, causing the workers to get shocked. A Duquesne Light spokesperson on the scene told KDKA-TV that since the power lines are going to the church, more power than normal goes through them. More than would go to the average home. Since the ladder came in contact with power lines, it sent a “severe” shock to the four workers. The other workers immediately called 911. The coroner identified the roofer who died as 28-year-old Victor Garcia of Coraopolis. “There were three males down in cardiac arrest, paramedics were working on them, one male had some burns and refused treatment, but officers and medics worked on the victims for a while, and they were all transported to Heritage Valley Beaver,” said Sgt. Dawn Shane of the Rochester Police Department.
Farm employee killed when silo falls on building
Manitowoc County, WI — A man has died in a farming accident after a silo collapsed onto a building he was in. Manitowoc County Sheriff deputies and first responders were called to the 11000 block of County Highway F in southern Manitowoc County at 10:30 Monday morning, June 24, 2025, for the incident. Preliminary investigation showed that silos on the farm property were being dismantled as part of a scheduled project. During the process, one of the silos collapsed in an unintended direction, striking a nearby building on the farm. An employee of the farm was inside the building and became trapped under the debris. When emergency responders reached the man, he was found deceased.
Worker killed when gravel hauler tipped identified by Ann Arbor police
Ann Arbor, MI — A construction worker killed last week on a job site has been identified by police. David Reminder, 48, died around 2:30 p.m., June 19 when a gravel truck tipped while dumping its load, said Chris Page, Ann Arbor police spokesperson. Reminder was found unresponsive inside the cab of the truck, which was heavily damaged, police said.
Memphis Rox employee among two men killed by gunfire inside rock climbing gym
Memphis, TN — Two men died after an argument led to gunfire inside a rock climbing gym in the Soulsville neighborhood of South Memphis on Sunday afternoon, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) said. In a statement, Memphis Rox Climbing and Community Center said one of the men was a “beloved” employee at the company, adding that it would be closed this week “as we process our grief.” MPD said officers responded just after 4 p.m. to a shooting at the climbing gym located on East McLemore Avenue. They arrived to find a man had died by gunfire, while another man was rushed to a hospital in critical condition and later died, police said. On Monday, FOX13 learned that the team member was <strong>Jarmond Johnson</strong>, according to family members and coworkers. MPD said one person had been detained in connection to the shooting but did not further elaborate. Police also said investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an argument between two men. In a statement, Memphis Rox said it was not closing permanently. “We will open our doors next Monday and will communicate any changes to this plan,” the company said.
Two firefighters killed by gunman who started Idaho blaze
Boise, ID — A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire Sunday and then began shooting at first responders in a northern Idaho mountain community, killing two firefighters and wounding a third during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said. A shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night after a tactical response team used cellphone data to “hone in” on a wooded area where they found the suspect’s body with a firearm nearby as flames rapidly approached, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said. Gov. Brad Little said “multiple” firefighting personnel were attacked. “This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Little said on X. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.” Norris said it appeared the sniper was hiding in the rugged terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He said he instructed deputies to fire back. The firefighters killed were Frank Harwood, 42, with Kootenai county fire and rescue, and John Morrison, 52, with the Coeur d’Alene fire department.
Deputy killed in Phillipsburg shooting
Phillipsburg, KS —A sheriff’s deputy was killed in an officer-involved shooting Friday night in Phillipsburg, Kansas. According to the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of illegal fireworks around 9:30 p.m. in the 800 block of First Street. During the response, a deputy attempted to arrest 27-year-old Kolton Griffith. The sheriff’s office said Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and fired at the deputy, prompting the deputy to return fire. Griffith was struck multiple times and died at the scene. Emergency medical services transported 30-year-old Deputy Brandon Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, medical personnel pronounced him dead shortly before 10:30 p.m. Friday night. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting and will forward its findings to the Phillips County Attorney’s Office.
Truck driver killed in collision with Metrolink
Ventura, CA — A semi-truck driver was killed June 25 when his vehicle collided with a Metrolink train at a private railroad crossing on farmland just outside Moorpark, reigniting concerns over safety at the rural intersection. Metrolink Train 118 was traveling south through Moorpark toward Los Angeles Union Station with 17 passengers and two crew members on board when it struck the double-trailer truck loaded with produce, according to police officials. Ventura County Sheriff’s Senior Deputy Rebecca Purnell confirmed the truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene. According to investigators, Jose Guadalupe Avila was driving the semi-tractor hauling two trailers of lemons south from a private ranch when his vehicle was struck by an eastbound Metrolink train. The collision ejected Avila from the cab of the truck. Authorities said the impact tore the truck’s engine compartment from the cab and pushed it hundreds of feet, but the train remained upright and intact. The crossing has no signals or crossing arms, only stop signs and “look both ways” signage, and has limited public traffic. Many locals on social media criticized the area’s train crossings that lack safety features, noting that several have no gates or flashing lights. The collision occurred less than two years after a similar incident nearby. On June 28, 2023, an Amtrak train derailed in the 11000 block of Los Angeles Avenue, just west of Gabbert Road and North Buttercreek Road, after hitting a Ventura County Public Works truck. Sixteen people, including the truck driver, were injured or hospitalized. On Dec. 12, 2023, an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner bound for Los Angeles hit a truck stuck on the tracks near Balcom Canyon Road and Somis Road (Highway 34) along the 118. Five people were hospitalized, and one railcar derailed. Earlier on June 25, Metrolink Train 114 hit a pedestrian around 12:45 p.m. between the Northridge and Van Nuys stations. The person was hospitalized in stable condition.
Construction worker killed in Northland hit-and-run identified as 61-year-old man
Kansas City, MO — The construction worker who died after being hit by an SUV in the Northland has been identified by police as a 61-year-old man. According to the Kansas City Police Department, Joseph R. Caldwell died after being hit near Northwest Barry Road and North Boardwalk Avenue on Wednesday morning. The driver of the SUV drove away but was apprehended shortly after the crash. The driver has since been released pending further investigation, a police spokesman confirmed Thursday. Police indicated it could take several weeks before a case file is completed and presented to prosecutors for the consideration of charges. Aside from police, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was also on site Wednesday and launched an investigation. The death marks Kansas City’s 39th traffic fatality in 2025, according to police.
Hotel Employee Killed in Shootout at Gas Station
Albuquerque, NM — A hotel employee was killed in a shoot out after altercation with hotel guest. When officers arrived they found two gunshot victims. One of the men was killed on scene and the other man was transported to UNMH with a gunshot wound to the leg but is expected to survive. APD’s Director of Communications told media there was an altercation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel across the street. The dispute happened between an employee of the hotel and another man at the hotel. The hotel employee used his personal vehicle to follow the man out of the hotel parking lot and both of them ended up at the Maverik gas station across the street. “One of them fired shots at the other. The other one returned fire. So, basically there was a shootout between these two individuals. The employee from the hotel was struck and killed. He died at the scene here. The other person, who was maybe in his early 20s, male, was struck in the leg, transported to a local, transported to a local hospital,” said Gallegos. Gallegos did not indicate if the man wounded would be charged with the homicide.
EMS Provider Dies Days after Ambulance Crash
Carbon County, MT — A senior Montana EMS provider who was involved in a two-vehicle crash earlier this month has died, authorities said. Everett Edwards, 84, died Tuesday from the injuries he sustained in the June 16 crash, Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan wrote on Facebook. Edwards has been an active EMS member for Clarks Fork Valley EMS for 40 years. Edwards was driving the ambulance responding to an emergency call when it was involved in a collision with a pickup truck, KTVQ reported. Edwards was heading north on Highway 310 when he attempted to turn left onto another road and was struck by an 85-year-old man driving a Ford F350. The pickup truck driver was also injured in the crash.
Semi-truck driver killed, construction workers injured in crash with MDOT vehicles
Monroe County, MI — A semi-truck driver was killed and several Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) workers were injured in a crash in Monroe County Tuesday morning. According to a social media post from Michigan State Police First District (MSP), a semi-truck with a trailer was traveling northbound on I-75 near I-275 in Frenchtown Township at approximately 9:45 a.m. near exit 18. The semi-truck was traveling near an area where MDOT construction workers were patching the left lane of I-75, MSP said. The semi-truck struck the back of one of the MDOT vehicles from behind, which caused the semi-truck to jackknife and hit another MDOT vehicle. The driver of the semi-truck was pronounced deceased on the scene. He was described by MSP as a male, but his identity, including his age and place of residence, remains unknown. It is also unknown, MSP said, if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash, or if the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time. The MDOT workers suffered minor injuries, MSP said. The vehicles they were using, called attenuator vehicles, were outfitted with a system that gives impact protection to the vehicle should it be struck from behind, MSP said. The number of MDOT workers that were injured is unknown. Due to the crash, I-75 near exit 18 has been shutdown for what MSP described as an “unknown” amount of time. The crash remains under investigation. WTOL 11 has sent crews to the area to learn more. We will provide you with additional information as it becomes available.
Chicago mourns officer killed in line of duty
Chicago, IL — Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera was laid to rest on Wednesday, weeks after she was accidentally shot and killed by her partner during a confrontation with an armed suspect. Rivera worked for the department for four years. She was described as hard-working and a mentor to younger officers. She also leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter. Rivera was fatally shot on June 5 while pursuing a suspect on the South Side, authorities said. Police said she and her partner had stopped a man who ran into a building in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue in the Chatham neighborhood. During the chase, officers encountered a man armed with a gun, identified as Adrian Rucker. According to authorities, Rucker pointed the weapon in their direction. Rivera’s partner fired their weapon and unintentionally struck her in the back. She later died from her injuries.
Note: This is the last Weekly Toll compiled by Dylan Chamberlain, who has gone on to union organizing work before finishing his labor studies degree at Cornell University. I want to thank him for the past six months of this largely thankless task and wish him the best. He will be a much-needed asset to the labor movement. And he will be much missed by me.
Meanwhile, I will be looking for a new volunteer to help ensure that those workers killed every week in American workplaces shall not be forgotten. Stay tuned.