How workers died last week: Fall into a meat grinder, crushed by beam, electrocuted, stabbed, shot, suicide, forklift, struck by lightning, immigration raid, bee stings, 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. Why We Write The Weekly Toll
19 Year-Old Worker dies after falling into meat grinder
Vernon, CA — A 19-year-old man was killed when he fell into a meat grinder at a Vernon food processing facility Sunday night. The man, whose name has not been released, was a member of the sanitation crew at Tina’s Burritos in the 2600 block of Vernon Avenue, according to Lt. Martinez with the Vernon Police Department. At about 9:30 p.m., he fell into a meat grinder in what’s being described as an industrial accident. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to be at the facility on Monday. Sgt. Daniel Onopa with the Vernon Police Department said the victim was cleaning an industrial food processor when the machine unexpectedly activated. Other workers who heard him yelling for help tried to turn off the machine, but were unable to. The man had already died when officers arrived at the factory. The victim’s name has not been released.
A child died in a UTV crash while doing farm chores Thursday morning in Grant County
SOUTH LANCASTER TOWNSHIP, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) – A child in Wisconsin died in a UTV crash while doing farm chores Thursday morning, according to authorities. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office said the child was operating a UTV around 10 a.m. on private property off Hurricane Road in South Lancaster Township. Officials determined the child was doing chores when the UTV lost control. They were thrown from the vehicle before becoming pinned under it, according to the sheriff’s office. The Grant County Coroner pronounced the child dead. Officials said the child was the only person on the UTV at the time of the accident. The age of the child was not given by authorities. They also said the child did not use safety equipment at the time the vehicle rolled.
At least 3 deputies killed in apparent explosion at Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department facility
LOS ANGELES, CA — A deadly explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility in the City Terrace area of East L.A. left three deputies dead Friday. The incident, which is believed to be an accident at this time, was reported just after 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles, LASD said. Authorities have identified those killed as detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus and William Osborn. All three were assigned to the sheriff department’s arson explosives detail.It is believed to be the compound that houses the sheriff’s department’s special enforcement units and bomb squad. It appears the sheriff’s enforcement bureau personnel were handling some kind of explosives when there was a blast, according to preliminary information from sources. Three deputies were killed in the incident. The emergency dispatch audio sheds light on the moments immediately following the explosion that killed three L.A. County sheriff’s deputies at a training facility on Friday. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene. It’s unclear if there were any other injuries.
OSHA investigating death of Atlanta airport construction worker
Atlanta, GA — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death of a man working on the Atlanta airport’s massive new parking deck construction earlier this week. Keni Corado Herrera of Atlanta, 49, died after being transported to Grady Memorial Hospital from the job site Monday morning, according to a Clayton County Death Investigation Report obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. An autopsy was underway Friday afternoon, Brian Byars, the director of the Clayton Medical Examiner’s Office, confirmed. According to the death investigation report, Herrera had been a “laborer” for Austell-based concrete construction company United Forming for more than a year. The report states he was identified only by a Guatemalan-issued identification card, and his wife and other family live in Guatemala. While the Clayton County investigator said in the report the death is being viewed as “natural with no suspicions of foul play,” a paramedic told the investigator it “appeared” Herrera “may have been injured by material at the construction site.” Herrera was last seen alive around 7 a.m. on Monday when he arrived for work and did not seem sick or voice any complaints, according to the investigation report. But at 7:51 a.m. his colleagues called paramedics after finding him unresponsive and “in a prone position” on the floor of the garage’s sixth level with a “laceration on his face that appeared to be from his collapse.” The only documented injury was a 3-inch long laceration on his forehead and between his eyebrows.
Delaware County firefighter dies in the line of duty
HANCOCK, N.Y. (WBNG) — New York State Police said that the East Branch Fire Department was responding to a motor vehicle crash into a utility pole on State Highway 30 in Hancock. A vehicle driven by Assistant Fire Chief Jason McGlone made contact with a low-hanging electrical wire. When McGlone tried to exit the vehicle, he was electrocuted. Despite receiving medical attention on the scene, McGlone succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was identified as Joseph E. Bellows, 54, of Downsville, and was arrested for driving while intoxicated at the scene.
Worker killed in industrial incident involving concrete block machine in Palm Beach County
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the West Palm Beach Fire Department responded to an industrial accident late Thursday morning. Shortly after 11 a.m., units were dispatched to the 1900 block of Skees Road following reports of a technical rescue. Upon arrival, first responders discovered that an individual had been involved in a serious accident with a machine used to stack and cube large quantities of concrete blocks. Paramedics pronounced the worker dead at the scene.
One person dead after ‘underground incident’ at mine in Jefferson Co.
NEW MARKET, Tenn. — One person has died after an “underground incident” at Nyrstar East Tennessee Young Mine, the company confirmed. A spokesperson from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, or MSHA, confirmed to WBIR that they opened an investigation. On the MSHA website, the death is classified as “fall of roof or back,” which means a section of the mine roof collapsed or a section of the mine wall fell. The identity of the victim is unknown at this time. We will update you as we learn more. This event is one of multiple incidents that have occurred at Nyrstar mining sites. In 2021, Cody Maggard, a 26-year-old man was killed at Immel Mine in Knox County in a reported “powered haulage” accident. Reports say he was crushed between a chute and the deck of a locomotive. In 2021, Gerald Turbyville, a 68-year-old man was killed while working at Immel Mine in Knox County, after a rock fell on him while he was performing scaling operations.
Calhoun County Worker Killed in Industrial Accident at FabArc Steel Supply
CALHOUN COUNTY, Ala. — A tragic workplace accident at FabArc Steel Supply claimed the life of a local employee on Thursday, July 3. According to Calhoun County Sheriff Falon Hurst, 49-year-old Aaron Brown of Ohatchee was moving a steel beam when it shifted and pinned him, crushing his chest. Emergency responders transported Brown to UAB St. Clair Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Calhoun County Coroner Patrick Brown confirmed the cause of death was injuries sustained in the industrial accident. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. FabArc Steel Supply, located in Calhoun County, specializes in structural steel fabrication.
1 killed, 1 injured at Westmoreland County road construction site
North Huntington Township, PA — A worker was killed and another was injured while working on a bridge rehabilitation project in Westmoreland County on Tuesday morning. It all happened late on Tuesday morning along a closed stretch of Route 993 in North Huntington Township just outside of Irwin. The incident happened at a PennDOT construction site where a subcontractor was working to fix a local bridge. A call went out for workers hurt at the site and North Huntington Township police responded, as did Pennsylvania State Police. It was first considered a vehicle crash but was later determined to be a construction accident. North Huntington Township Police confirmed that 53-year-old Brian Keefer of Indian Head, Pennsylvania, was killed after being run over by a large construction cleaning truck. Another person was injured and was released from the hospital. Both OSHA and North Huntington Township detectives are investigating what caused this accident to occur.
Farm worker dies a day after chaotic immigration raid at California farm
Camarillo, CA — A farm worker died on Friday from injuries that he sustained when he fell from a greenhouse roof during a chaotic ICE raid this week at a California cannabis facility. US immigration authorities confirmed they arrested 200 workers after a tense standoff with authorities. Jaime Alanis’s death was confirmed in a social media post by the United Farm Workers advocacy group. “We tragically can confirm that a farm worker has died of injuries they sustained as a result of yesterday’s immigration enforcement action,” the post read. Relatives of Jaime Alanis, who has worked picking tomatoes at the farm for 10 years, said he called his wife in Mexico during the raid to tell her immigration agents had arrived and that he was hiding with others inside the farm. “The next thing we heard was that he was in the hospital,” Juan Duran, Alanis’s brother-in-law, said in Spanish, his voice breaking.
Forest Ranger Died Working in the Backcountry—Folks Are Angry
Adirondacks, NY — “Earlier this month, Assistant Forest Ranger Brendan Jackson passed away while camping,” wrote the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in a press release. But advocates are saying the 42-year-old forest ranger wasn’t just camping; he died while working in the Adirondacks backcountry. And even though he missed 11 check-ins with his employer, no one realized he had died until eight days later. Jackson’s friend, Danielle Carr, wrote an open letter to DEC Commissioner calling for reform. She suggests in her letter that what happened to her friend was unacceptable. “The DEC Forest Rangers Week in Review dated July 2 stated Assistant Forest Ranger Brendan Jackson passed away while camping,” Carr wrote. “I would like to add that AFR Jackson passed away in the backcountry at Duck Hole in the middle of his work week for the NYS DEC Ranger Division.” She continues, saying: “Assistant Forest Ranger Jackson often worked in remote areas with no cell service, but friends became worried about the length of his non-contact.” Rangers found Jackson’s body on Sunday, June 15 at Duck Hole over a week after his last communication with dispatch. A petition claims DEC Dispatch previously used an employee-tracking software that could have prevented this situation, but the document suggests DEC “abandoned it” several years ago.
Man dies from skid steer accident in West Point
WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – A man was killed in a workplace accident in West Point. The incident happened at PLUM Creek Environmental, on Industrial Access Road, just before 9 am. Clay County Coroner Alvin Carter said it appears 21-year-old Tyquavious McMillian was helping someone with a skid steer and put his hand inside the machinery. This knocked the skid steer in gear, and it ran over McMillian. The Aberdeen man died at the scene.
FedEx Worker Killed in Car Accident on Highway 64 in Tyler, TX
Tyler, TX — July 8, 2025, a FedEx worker was killed as the result of a car accident which occurred along State Highway 64. According to initial details about the accident, it happened along the 16400 block of Highway 64, just off County Road 293. Right now, exact details about the accident remain unclear. Reports say that a 26-year-old woman was doing deliveries for FedEx at the time. It appears the woman “was hit” while working, ultimately causing fatal injuries. The woman has not been publicly identified right now. The factors surrounding the accident are still under investigation.
N.M. deputy dies following crash with semi-truck
MESILLA, N.M. — A Doña Ana County sheriff’s deputy has died after his patrol vehicle collided with the rear of a semi-truck on Interstate 10, KFOX 14 reported. Deputy Antonio Aleman, 33, was on duty when the crash occurred on July 8 near Avenida de Mesilla, according to a county spokesperson. He was transported to Mountain View Regional Medical Center, where medical personnel attempted life-saving measures. He was later pronounced dead. Aleman had served with the sheriff’s office since April 2021. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Truck driver died after debris from passing vehicle struck rig, caused crash
Waverly, VA — Virginia State Police say a tractor-trailer driver was killed July 10 on U.S. Route 460 in Sussex County when part of another vehicle’s payload blew off and struck his cab, forcing him off the highway and into some trees. It happened on Route 460, also called General Mahone Highway, just west of Waverly, State Police Sgt. Michelle Anaya said in an email. The driver of the wrecked truck has been identified as Keith Michael Loback, 64, of Roanoke. Anaya said the initial investigation showed that Loback’s tractor-trailer was westbound on Route 460 and had passed its intersection with Spring Branch Road when a metal-framed tarp flew off an eastbound commercial vehicle and hit the cab on the driver-side windshield. The impact dislodged a mirror that struck Loback and knocked him unconscious. The rig then crossed over the highway and crashed through several trees on the eastbound side. Loback died at the scene.
Man in Redwood County dies after being trapped in grain bin
Milroy, MN — A man died in Redwood County early Wednesday morning after being trapped in a grain bin. At around 9:33 a.m., the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to a man who was trapped in a grain bin on the 13000 block of MN-19. Almost two hours later, the man was pronounced dead on scene, according to the sheriff’s office. The man was identified on Thursday as 61-year-old Melvin Welu of Milroy. The Milroy Fire Department, Milroy First Responders, Wabasso Ambulance, Centra Care Ambulance, Wabasso Fire Department, Redwood Falls Fire Department, Vesta Fire Department, Tracy Fire Department, Marshall Fire Department, Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also assisted in the incident.
McDonald’s manager allegedly fatally stabbed by worker in Eastpointe
Eastpoint, MI — A worker at an Eastpointe McDonald’s is accused of killing a manager at the same restaurant on Thursday after the two got in a fight, and the worker was sent home but returned. Jennifer Harris, 39, has been identified as the Eastpointe McDonald’s manager who was stabbed to death on Thursday. Eastpointe police officers were called at about 8 a.m. Thursday to the McDonald’s on Nine Mile between Kelly Road and Gratiot Avenue on a report of a stabbing and shots fired, they said in a news release posted on Facebook. A female victim was taken to a hospital, where she died, authorities said. She was a 39-year-old resident of Mount Clemens and was the restaurant’s manager. Police also said a female suspect, a 26-year-old Eastpointe resident, has been arrested.
Man identified in deadly industrial accident in Clay
CLAY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — A man is dead after an industrial accident in the Town of Clay on Friday, July 11. The man who died in the industrial accident has been identified as 41-year-old Rendolph Larose, of Syracuse. At 4:53 p.m. on Friday, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department responded to the accident in the Glenn Crossing Plaza on Route 57, where a paving company was doing work. At the scene, sheriff deputies said they found a man who was hit and run over by a double-drum ride-on roller. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is being investigated as an accident and the driver of the roller is cooperating with police.
Driver killed while working on cement truck in North Platte.
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – The North Platte Police Department is investigating after a man was killed while working on a cement truck over the weekend. Officers were called to Paulsen Inc. Ready Mix on Newberry Road near I-80 on Saturday at 1:20 p.m. for a deceased man found inside the drum of a cement mixer. Arriving officers identified the man as Brian Janssen, 52. Preliminary findings indicate that Janssen was performing maintenance work on the cement truck when a work-related accident occurred. The police department’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted a thorough investigation and concluded that Janssen’s death was accidental and directly related to the maintenance activity being performed at the time.
Cridersville Man Passes Away In Industrial Accident
Minster, OH — Ayden Hadding (21) of Cridersville died in an industrial accident at Kard Welding on Osterloh Road.in Minster on Monday Morning just before 7am. The Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office said Hadding was crushed by a large bridge beam. The beam reportedly shifted and fell on him while he was hooking it up, moving it through a sandblaster or between machines. Hadding died on the scene. A witness told detectives that the loud machinery in the plant prevented them from hearing the beam shift, and although they found the victim within a minute or two, it was too late. OSHA has been contacted and will conduct an investigation.
Cement truck driver killed in rollover near Crary, North Dakota
CRARY, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — The driver of a cement truck is dead after rolling his truck in Ramsey County. The North Dakota Highway Patrol says it happened four miles south of Crary around 9:25 a.m. Tuesday. A 37-year-old Carrington man was driving a cement truck on 41st Street Northeast when the right rear tires left the road. The truck rolled and landed on the driver’s side. The driver was not wearing a seat belt.
Worker dies after bee sting at Scottsdale independent living facility
Scottsdale, AZ — Three people were stung by bees Monday morning at the Vi at Silverstone Independent Living facility, and one has died, Scottsdale police said. The three were taken to a hospital about 9:30 a.m. July 7. Two were reported to be in stable condition. “Sadly, one of the three people stung has died at the hospital. Initial reporting from (police) at the scene says the three people who were stung were part of a work crew who were working on the roof of the facility,” a police department release stated. A death investigation is being conducted by Scottsdale Police Department and the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.
Death at California meatpacking plant stirs grief and anger over working conditions
Hanford, CA — Family and friends are mourning the loss of Juan Carlos Soto of Tulare, who died by suicide at Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, CA on Wednesday June 18, 2025. Courtesy of Lina Soto Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Current and former employees of one of the San Joaquin Valley’s largest meatpacking plants are speaking out about unsafe working conditions following a worker’s tragic death. On Wednesday, June 18, Juan Carlos Soto, 47, died by suicide at Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford. TOP VIDEOS The video player is currently playing an ad. The Kings County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they responded to a medical emergency at Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford around 6:50 a.m., where Soto was found with self-inflicted, life threatening injuries, according to department spokesperson Christopher Martin. Soto died at the scene, Martin said. Cal-OSHA, the state’s workplace health and safety regulator, confirmed the agency is investigating the fatality but was unable to comment on the pending investigation.
2 landscapers dead, 1 injured after 15-year-old coworker pulls gun
CLUTE, Texas – A 15-year-old Houston resident is in custody and facing capital murder charges after he shot three of his four landscaping crew members while working in Clute on Monday. Clute police say the teen appears to have been suffering a medical episode at the scene. Clute officers arrived at the scene in the 200 block of Dixie Drive after receiving a call of shots fired around 1:18 p.m. They found three gunshot victims at the scene, all a part of a five-man landscaping crew. After investigating at the scene, it was reportedly found that the teen had pulled out a handgun while the crew was on their lunch break and began shooting at the four other men. Three were struck, and the fourth managed to escape unharmed. One victim, a man from Houston, died at the scene. The two other victims, also adult men, were taken to a nearby hospital for their injuries. One died at the hospital, and the other is expected to survive.
Worker dies after industrial mishap at Canton Drop Forge
PERRY TWP, OH. ‒ A 37-year-old worker died after an industrial accident at Canton Drop Forge on the evening of July 7, the Stark County Coroner’s Office said. Daniel Chavez of Canton was pronounced dead at 9:17 p.m. by a doctor in the emergency department of Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, said Tammy Wilkes, a coroner’s investigator. The caused was described as “blunt force trauma.” The Perry Township Fire Department was called to the factory at 4575 Southway St. SW at 8:34 p.m.
Cape Cod man dies after coming into contact with electrical wires in ‘tragic accident’
Hyannis, MA — The family of one of the two people hospitalized Sunday after coming into contact with an electrical wire in Hyannis says their loved one has died, WHDH reports. Jermaine Whitmore, 32, died from his injuries at Cape Cod Hospital, his relatives told the station. First responders were called to the scene at a Hamden Circle residence shortly after 5 p.m. on Sunday. Family members told WHDH that Whitmore, a father of four, was preparing to take his children to the beach when he heard a worker in a nearby bucket truck calling for help. The relatives told the station they believe he was electrocuted after coming into contact with live wires as he tried to help the worker.
Duke Energy lineman dies after being electrocuted while working in Largo
LARGO, Fla. — A Duke Energy utility line worker is dead after he was electrocuted while working in Largo. Largo Fire Rescue, the Largo Police Department and Sunstar Paramedics responded at around 11:30 a.m. Thursday to the area of Keene Road to the report of a medical emergency involving electrical contact. Crews provided advanced life support to the linemen and was later taken to the hospital. In an update from Largo police just after 2 p.m., authorities confirmed he died in the hospital after being electrocuted while working on a power line.
Worker dies in industrial accident at Sherwin Williams construction site
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A worker died after being trapped under a forklift at the Sherwin Williams construction site. The victim has been identified as Joe Cunningham, 48, of Laborers Local 310. Cleveland Police and Cleveland EMS were called out to the complex in the 1300 block of West 3rd Street just after midnight Friday. Cleveland EMS said Cunningham was pronounced dead at the scene. He is being remembered by Laborers Local 310 as “a dedicated laborer, a proud union man, and someone who showed up each day ready to work hard, shoulder to shoulder with his brothers and sisters.”
New Mexico Deputy Killed in Crash
Doña Ana County, NM — Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Deputy Antonio Aleman was killed in an on-duty crash Tuesday evening. The Doña Ana County (New Mexico) Sheriff’s Office reports that a 33-year-old deputy was killed in a crash while on duty Tuesday evening (July 8, 2025). Deputy Antonio Aleman’s patrol vehicle collided with a semi-truck on Interstate 10 around 5 p.m. Tuesday evening. He died at a local hospital. Deputy Aleman has been a valuable asset to the sheriff’s office since April 2021 and will be dearly missed,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook statement.
Community reacts after tow truck driver killed in Harlingen crash
Harlingen, TX — Many are feeling the pain following the loss of a 46-year-old man from Mercedes. David Zapata was a tow truck driver who died when he was struck by a vehicle on Tuesday while working on the expressway in Harlingen. “He was a great guy,” Ted Hernandez said. “He had his family and he was like any other tow truck driver, working on the roads, 24/7 day or night.” Ted Hernandez said he knew Zapata from the job, called him a close friend. Progreso Mayor Hugo Gamboa even posted about Zapata’s death on Facebook, and said Zapata will “Always be remembered with love and gratitude.” Hernandez has been in the towing business for over 10 years, and said he has seen the dangers of working on the roads. He’s added extra lights as safety measures to his tow trucks.
Lake Havasu City hyperbaric chamber explosion draws national attention
Lake Havasu, AZ — A Lake Havasu City physical therapist was killed late Wednesday in a flash fire involving a hyperbaric chamber at his medical office, according to city officials. Dr. Walter Foxcroft, 43, was found deceased inside the chamber at Havasu Health and Hyperbarics after emergency crews responded around 10:50 p.m. to a report of a burn victim. A 911 caller had reported that the patient was inside the chamber when the fire occurred. “The cause of the flash fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” city officials said in a news release.
Truck driver’s body recovered from Delaware River after crash
NEW CASTLE, DE — First responders recovered the body of a driver Saturday after their truck cab plunged off the Delaware Memorial Bridge a day earlier. The Delaware River Port Authority crews began searching the river after the truck cab crossed three lanes of traffic, went onto the concrete pad near the Delaware anchorage and crashed through a concrete wall around 3:40 a.m. Friday. On Saturday morning, crews found the unidentified driver inside the cab which was recovered.
Worker killed in semi-truck crash at GCC cement plant in Pueblo identified by coroner
Pueblo, CO – A worker was killed in a commercial vehicle crash at the GCC Rio Grande Cement Plant in Pueblo on July 12, according to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Victor Armas, 62, of Pueblo, died as a result of injuries sustained in the incident, according to the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office. “At this time, we can confirm that a single-vehicle accident occurred as a delivery driver was arriving on site for a scheduled drop-off. Emergency services responded promptly, and the incident is under investigation by the appropriate authorities,” GCC Communications Specialist Adam Kisiel said in a statement to the Chieftain.
Beauregard volunteer firefighter dies in crash while responding to call
BEAUREGARD PARISH, La. (KPLC) – Fire departments in Southwest Louisiana are asking for prayers after a volunteer firefighter from Beauregard Parish died in the line of duty. Around 3:35 this morning, firefighters Jonathan Ashworth and Tabitha Ashworth were driving from their home on Scallon Road to respond to a medical emergency call on La. 26, Beauregard Fire Protection District 4 Chief Eric Stracener confirmed. Visibility was limited due to dense fog, and when they attempted to turn a 90-degree corner, they drove off the road, striking multiple trees, Stracener said. Jonathan died at the scene, and Tabitha suffered minor injuries. Jonathan Ashworth had served as a firefighter/operator with Fire Protection District 4 since Nov. 14, 2018, Stracener said. “He was the best person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was an asset to his community, his family, and this department. His smile and distinct voice will be missed,” Stracener said in a statement.
‘End of Watch’ Declared for Marble Falls, TX, Fire Chief Missing in Flood
Marble Falls, TX — The Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department has announced the ‘end of watch’ for Chief Michael Phillips. He has been missing since July 5 when he responded to a call for help during a devastating flood in Central Texas. His emergency vehicle was recovered. “He was more than just a friend, mentor, and leader — he was our family. His absence will leave a void in our hearts and our department that cannot be filled. We will honor his legacy and the extraordinary service he gave to our community by continuing to be the first responders he strived for us to be,” officers wrote on the department’s Facebook page. Phillips, who served the department for nearly three decades, was a mentor, leader and friend.
State parole officer killed on the job in Oakland — suspect arrested
Oakland, CA — A state parole agent was fatally shot in Oakland as he worked in his office Thursday afternoon, and a suspect is in custody. The agent, identified as Joshua Lemont Byrd, 40, in a news release by Gov. Gavin Newsom, was shot inside the Division of Adult Parole Operations office around 12:50 p.m., state officials said. After the shooting, the suspect, identified as Bryan Keith Hall, 48, of Oakland, fled the scene and was detained by Oakland police officers near the intersection of 90th Avenue and International Boulevard, the California Highway Patrol said.
USPS Driver Killed in Crash
Northport, AL — In Northport, Ala., a U.S. Postal Service employee died after she was involved in a four-vehicle crash. Police said Vonchelle Renee Gamble, 36, of Tuscaloosa, was driving about noon on July 15, when she was involved in a four-vehicle crash. Police said Gamble was pronounced dead on the scene, while three others were treated for minor injuries. The U.S. Postal Service said they were working with investigators to determine the cause of the crash. USPS did confirm that Gamble was working at the time. The USPS said they were “deeply saddened by the loss of our postal family member. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to her family, friends, and co-workers.” USPS said they were providing workers with onsite counseling and an employee assistance program.
Man killed by lightning strike at N.J. archery range was instructor, report says
Ocean County, NJ– The man who died after being struck by lightning Wednesday night at an Ocean County archery range was an instructor teaching young Cub Scouts about the sport, according to a report by NBC. Robert Montgomery, 61, of Cinnaminson, died of his injuries after being struck at the Black Knights Bowbenders Archery Range on Perrineville Road, according to a statement from the Jackson Police Department. Fourteen others — one as young as 7 years old — were also hurt, with one victim taken to the Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Montgomery was a member of the archery range where the incident happened and was teaching the Scouts during an event organized by Jackson Cub Scout Pack 204, NBC reported. His sister told the outlet that he died while doing something that he loved.
Florida Truck Driver Killed in I-10 Crash Near Baton Rouge
Port Allen, LA – A Florida man was killed Friday evening when his tractor-trailer overturned along Interstate 10 in West Baton Rouge Parish. According to the Louisiana State Police, the fatal crash occurred shortly after 5:15 p.m. Friday near milepost 150 on I-10 eastbound. Troopers from Troop A responded to the scene, where they confirmed that 47-year-old Jose Vasquez of Citrus Springs, Florida, died after his vehicle struck the median and overturned.