How workers died over the past couple of weeks: Trench collapse, confined space, plane crash, helicopter crash, drowning, electrocution, tree trimming, vehicle incidents, 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. Why We Write The Weekly Toll
Milton city worker dead after being trapped in ditch
MILTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – After the tragic death of a Milton city worker on Thursday, city leaders discussed what he meant to them. The incident happened Thursday morning behind the GoMart on Mason Street. The worker, whose name has not been released, was digging a ditch when he became trapped. “He was probably one of our best employees that we’ve had,” Milton Mayor Shane Evans said. “Sometimes when we have bad weather, he would stay all night at the city building just in case the roads got bad.” Evans went on to say, “He just loved our town and would do anything for our town. He was probably the most dedicated person I ever saw workwise. And he’s like family to all of us.” The mayor said he received a call just after 11 a.m. from the city manager, saying that a wall had collapsed on one of their city employees.
2 dead in industrial accident near Princeton Woods
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Mobile Police Department officials have identified the two men who died after going into a manhole to run sewer lines. 31-year-old Garrett Robertson and 50-year-old Herber Rivas have been identified as the two victims. According to MPD officials, the men were running sewer lines in the manhole when they were overcome with what appeared to be gas. Fatal manhole incident highlights safety concerns A third worker entered the manhole but was able to escape after “becoming disoriented,” officials said. The third worker was taken to a local hospital and is continuing to receive treatment. Robinson and Rivas were removed from the manhole and taken to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The chief revealed there was an issue with oxygen levels inside the hole that made them feel disoriented. “Based on the scenario, the way it was set up, it was quite possible that there was some displacement of oxygen,” Glisson said.
2 steel workers killed in explosion at Pennsylvania plant
Clairton, PA — Two people died and 10 injured following an explosion at a Pennsylvania steel plant on Monday. A devoted dad has been identified as one of the two steel workers killed in an explosion at a Pennsylvania plant on Monday, the governor said. The incident at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, about 15 miles outside of Pittsburgh, trapped people under rubble, prompting a rescue operation, according to Allegheny County officials. Ten people were injured from the blast inside a battery operating area at the plant, officials said. At least five of the injured have been released from the hospital, according to officials. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he met on Tuesday with the sister and girlfriend of Timothy Quinn, one of the employees killed. Quinn, who went by “TQ,” was a second-generation steel worker, Shapiro said at a news conference. He was a devoted father of three and served as a mentor to his coworkers, Shapiro said. Steven Menefee, 52, was also pronounced dead at the scene. A maintenance worker was killed in an explosion at the plant in September 2009. In July 2010, another explosion injured 14 employees and six contractors. According to online OSHA records of workplace fatalities, the last death at the plant was in 2014, when a worker was burned and died after falling into a trench.
Landscaper killed after touching power lines
SALEM, N.H. — Police have named the landscaper killed in an electrocution accident Thursday afternoon as a 45-year-old Salem resident. The man, identified as Marc Glaser, was killed and another seriously injured Thursday around 1:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the Service Credit Union along Route 28 when the incident occurred. Glaser was trimming trees in a man-lift while the other man, who has not been identified, was doing work on the ground, fire officials said. The man on the ground was transported via ambulance to Mass General Hospital in Boston with serious electrical burns. Police have not released the name of the landscaping company the men worked for. Immediately following the incident, Salem Police secured and evacuated the area until Liberty Utilities arrived on scene to shut off the power and restore the power lines.
Fire officials could not say if the landscaping company was hired by the town of Salem or the Service Credit Union.
State worker critically hurt in accident at Southbury Training School has died
Southbury, CT — A state employee that was critically injured during an accident while cutting grass at the Southbury Training School has died. State officials said an employee sustained serious injuries during an accident while cutting grass on campus grounds. He died a few days later, according to the governor’s office. The man who died has been identified as Steve Kuczynski. Officials said he worked with the Department of Developmental Services. Connecticut State Police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are conducting an investigation.
Man dies in tree-trimming accident in Tucson area
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A man died when he was hit by a palm tree while trimming it in the Tucson area on Thursday, Aug. 7. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said 40-year-old Javier Palafox was struck by a large section of the tree after it unexpectedly broke while he was trimming it. The PCSD said it happened around 11:30 a.m., and Palafox died at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and no evidence of foul play has been discovered, the PCSD said. The Northwest Fire District said it responded to the scene, along with the Tucson Fire Department and Golder Ranch Fire District. It happened at an assisted living facility located near Orange Grove and Oracle roads. The PCSD said Palafox had been hired to remove dead palm fronds when the accident happened.
Two workers killed in helicopter crash in West Alton
West Alton, IL – The IBEW community is mourning the loss of one of their own after a helicopter carrying two workers reportedly crashed into a power line and burst into flames here Aug 7. The accident happened around 11 a.m. while two workers were conducting maintenance on power lines over a barge on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. A portion of the river remained closed Friday. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the deadly crash, and the names of the victims have not been released. Chris Hankins, IBEW Local 309 business manager/financial secretary of IBEW 309 in Collinsville, Ill., confirmed that one of the workers was a member of IBEW Local 702 out of West Frankfort, Ill.
Pinellas deputies identify Duke Energy contractor electrocuted on jobsite
Seminole, FL — Pinellas sheriff’s deputies have identified a Duke Energy contractor who was electrocuted and two co-workers who were severely burned in a jobsite incident in Seminole on Tuesday. Justin St. Clair Bryan, 30, was killed when a power pole his crew was trying to place in the ground struck a power line, according to information released Wednesday by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Two other men working with him, Jefferey Busch, 27, and Matthew Waldrop, 31, were hospitalized with severe burns. The incident happened shortly before 2 p.m. in the 8600 block of Park Boulevard North as the men, employed by Primoris Services Corp., were trying to place a new utility pole in the ground, according to the sheriff’s office. Bryan, Busch and Waldrop were on the ground assisting as a boom operator tried to maneuver the pole into place. As the boom operator was closing a claw on the boom to grab the pole, one side of the claw struck the pole, causing it to hit a power line, deputies said. A witness told investigators there was an explosion, and the ground in the area caught on fire.
Contractor dies while operating construction equipment at Northern CA powerhouse
Dobbins, CA — A contractor died Thursday while operating construction equipment near the facility, according to the Yuba Water Agency. He was identified as 33-year-old Daniel Bustos Mendez of Hayward. He was working near the New Colgate Powerhouse in Yuba County, the agency said in a Thursday news release. The contractor was operating construction equipment that fell off an embankment before dying, according to the release. The New Colgate Powerhouse is along the Yuba River, south of Dobbins. Yuba Water Agency said it is “supporting the investigation” into the incident and will be transparent in the proceedings. Cal-OSHA has been notified of the incident, according to DeDe Cordell, a spokesperson for the Yuba Water Agency.
Worker dies after falling at construction site on the North Shore, officials say
SALEM, Mass. — Authorities are investigating a deadly fall at a construction site in Salem on Friday. According to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred at 54 Grove Street, where construction on an apartment complex appeared to be underway. A 34-year-old construction worker who died in a fall from the roof of a Salem apartment complex on Friday has been identified as Carlos Ernesto Hernandez, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office said Monday.
Construction worker on skid steer hit by 18-wheeler, killed in wreck on I-30
BOWIE COUNTY, Texas (KSLA) – A construction worker is dead after a wreck on I-30 involving an 18-wheeler. The Texas Department of Public Safety says on Thursday, Aug. 7 around 1 p.m., deputies responded to the major wreck, which happened at Mile Marker 190 west of New Boston. Preliminary details show Braden Tucker, 21, was operating a Kubota skid steer and was trying to cross the interstate after working on the guardrails in the median when he was hit by an 18-wheeler that was headed east. Tucker was thrown from the skid steer. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
Minot man dies in workplace incident
Minot, ND — On the morning of Friday, Aug. 8, the Minot Police Department responded to a tragic incident at a business in the industrial park in east Minot that resulted in the death of Leroy Nelson, 38, Minot, according to police information. The workplace incident is under investigation by the appropriate agencies. Authorities say Leroy Nelson died at a business in Industrial Park last Friday. The 38-year-old’s cause of death has not been revealed as investigators search for the cause of the incident.
Construction worker hit and killed while working on Interstate 95
Greenwich, CT — A construction worker is dead after being hit and killed by a vehicle while working in a construction zone, state police said. State troopers responded to Interstate 95, south of exit 3 in Greenwich, around 2:24 a.m. on Saturday for a report of a car crashing into a construction zone. According to troopers, the driver of a Dodge Durango veered into an active construction pattern and hit a worker in the center median. Traymont Trucker, 38, of Waterbury, was pronounced dead around 3 a.m. by Greenwich EMS.
Central NY man working for trash hauler killed when he’s struck by car
Granby, N.Y. — A sanitation worker was killed Monday afternoon when he was hit by a car while crossing a road to return to his garbage truck in Oswego County, state police said. Around 4:21 p.m., troopers responded to the crash on Route 14 in Granby, said Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a state police spokesperson. The vehicle hit the Butler Disposal Systems employee — Alexander M. Snow, 32, of Phoenix — as he crossed the road with a rolling container, according to a news release. Troopers said the garbage truck was stopped on the west shoulder of the road with its hazard lights on, facing south when Snow was crossing the road from east to west. He was hit by a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze driving south, she said.
Construction Worker Crushed To Death By Overturned Machine At Woodbridge Job Site
Woodbridge, VA — Prince William County Police said officers were called to the site near Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road in Woodbridge shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13. Investigators said the 61-year-old man was operating heavy machinery when the equipment overturned on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. “No foul play is suspected,” police said.
Manawa Man Killed in Workplace Accident at Upper Michigan Gravel Pit
ONTONAGON COUNTY, MI- A 50-year-old man from Manawa has died in a workplace accident at a gravel pit in Upper Michigan. The Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department says it happened around 2:20 p.m. Thursday at the Highpoint Gravel Pit in Rockland Township. When deputies and EMS arrived, Terry Gene Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, according to WLUC-TV. Authorities have not released details on how the accident occurred. The Mine Safety and Health Administration is investigating.
Texas truck driver killed in Itawamba County wreck
FULTON, MS – A truck driver was killed Wednesday when his 18-wheeler ran off the interstate and plowed into a stand of trees in Itawamba County. The Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to the single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 22 around noon on Aug. 6. The preliminary investigation showed that Johnathon J. Jett, 25, of Houston, Texas, was traveling west on Interstate 22 when his 2019 Kenworth semi left the four-lane highway and collided with several pine trees. Jett received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Asphalt truck driver killed in rollover crash on K-7 Highway in Olathe
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Part of K-7 Highway was closed Monday morning after the driver of an asphalt truck was killed in a rollover crash in Olathe. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, just before 8:45 a.m., troopers and emergency responders were called to northbound K-7 Highway at College Boulevard for a deadly crash. Preliminary investigations reveal that the driver of the asphalt truck had been driving northbound on K-7 when it swerved into a different lane. The asphalt truck then hit a trailer being hauled by a Ford F350 truck, lost control and rolled into a ditch. The driver of the asphalt truck was killed in the crash. He was identified as 68-year-old Leslie L. Kendig of Osawatomie, Kansas. The driver of the Ford was uninjured, according to KHP crash logs.
Construction Worker Killed in Retaining Wall Collapse in Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre, CA — A tragic construction accident claimed the life of a man in his late 20s on Thursday afternoon when a retaining wall collapsed in a residential backyard in the 500 block of Sierra Meadow.
The Sierra Madre Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 emergency call shortly after 1:00 pm. Upon arrival, crews found the worker trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Despite the combined efforts of responding teams from Pasadena Fire Department and Arcadia Fire Department, the injuries sustained were fatal, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity, pending notification of his family. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA) and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office have been dispatched to investigate the incident.
Plane crash in northeast Arizona kills 4 medical personnel
Chinle, AZ — Four medical personnel were killed when a small plane crashed while attempting to land at a municipal airport in northeastern Arizona, according to officials. The crash involved a Beechcraft 300 and occurred around 12:35 p.m. local time on Tuesday at Chinle Municipal Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which initially reported that three people were on board. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said four non-local medical workers were killed when the aircraft crashed near the airport as they were on their way to pick up a patient. “These were people who dedicated their lives to saving others, and their loss is felt deeply across the Navajo Nation,” Nygren said in a statement. “Our prayers are with the families of those on the plane as investigations continue.” The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash. CSI Aviation released the names of the people involved in the crash less than a week after it occurred. Two pilots and two medical personnel lost their lives in the crash: Jeffrey Tuning, Commercial Pilot, Amanda Benson, Commercial Pilot, Kameilia Chavez, Flight Nurse, Nicholas Mancuso, Flight Paramedic.
Watseka man dies at work, OSHA investigating
IROQUOIS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A worker at Lyon LLC. in Watseka died over the weekend after an overhead door fell on top of him, the Iroquois County Coroner said. William Cheatum, coroner, said 64-year-old Richard Malone of Watseka was closing the plant up when his shift ended around 3 a.m. on Saturday. Cheatum said Malone tried to shut an overhead door, but it was stuck. Malone attempted to fix the door, but it fell on top of him. Cheatum said preliminary findings indicate that Malone died from blunt force injuries. He was pronounced dead at 4:27 a.m. on Saturday, Cheatum said. Now, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating.
Man dies following forklift incident at South Carolina factory, coroner says
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A man has died following an incident that happened at a factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, according to the coroner’s office. The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office was called to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center Tuesday afternoon regarding a death that was the result of a workplace injury. The accident happened Tuesday at Spartanburg Steel Products at 1290 New Cut Road. The coroner’s office identified the victim as 48-year-old Russell Edward Layton Jr. of Boiling Springs. According to the coroner, the incident occurred while Layton was working on a forklift. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is assisting with the investigation.
Semi-truck driver killed in three-vehicle crash in Winkler County, two others injured
WINKLER COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – A commercial truck driver was killed and two other men were injured early Sunday morning in a three-vehicle crash in Winkler County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The crash occurred just before 6 a.m. on August 3 at the intersection of State Highway 115 and County Road 302. Investigators said 24-year-old Teodricke Alexander Lamar Miller of Marlin, Texas, was driving a 2019 GMC Acadia northbound on SH 115 when he began to slow down to make a left turn onto County Road 302. Behind him, 26-year-old Raheem Griffin, also of Marlin, was driving a 2015 Ford F-350. DPS said Griffin failed to control his speed and struck the rear of Miller’s vehicle, pushing the Acadia into the east barrow ditch, where it caught fire. Griffin’s Ford became disabled in the southbound lane of traffic. At that point, 48-year-old Areal Casanas, a professional truck driver from Lehigh Acres, Florida, was traveling southbound on SH 115 in a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia with a towed trailer. Casanas’ semi-truck collided with the disabled Ford pickup, causing the Freightliner to roll over. Casanas, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as the driver of the commercial truck and is the only fatality in the crash.
Kokomo man identified as log truck driver killed in Pearl River Co. wreck
PEARL RIVER CO., Miss. (WLOX) – Officials have identified the victim of a fatal wreck on Highway 43 in Pearl River County on Thursday. According to officials, a 1994 GMC log truck driven by 65-year-old Billy Jefferson of Kokomo was traveling south on Highway 43 when it ran off the right side of the roadway and collided with a tree. As a result, Jefferson received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
2 police officers killed, 1 wounded in Utah shooting; suspect taken into custody
Tremonton, UT — Two police officers were shot and killed in a northern Utah city, and a man was taken into custody, authorities said Monday. A third officer was wounded in the shooting, they said. No civilians were harmed. The officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call late Sunday in a neighborhood in Tremonton. The wounded officer, a sheriff’s deputy, and a police dog who also responded were hospitalized for their injuries and in fair condition, police said. “These officers are definitely heroes,” Police Chief Chad Reyes in neighboring Brigham City said at a news conference Monday morning. “We really don’t know what we’re walking into,” he said of domestic disturbance calls. “And they are one of the most dangerous events that we can be dispatched on.” Police said they received multiple 911 hang-up calls from a home in the city. A single officer from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department arrived first and was speaking to someone at the home when a man came out with a gun, police said in a news release. Reyes said he believed the man lived at the house. “The male opened fire on the officer, striking and killing the officer,” the news release said. A second officer from the department who responded “was immediately fired upon by the same male suspect” and was killed, it said.
Police identify diver who died after being pulled from harbor in Stonington
STONINGTON, CT — Local police identified a 47-year-old Rhode Island man as the person who died after being pulled from the water off a local dock Saturday morning. Joel Trebisacci of Westerly was taken to Westerly Hospital shortly after being pulled from the water at 9:18 a.m. and was later pronounced dead there, police said. Police said Monday he was in scuba gear inspecting the hull of a fishing boat when he failed to emerge from the water after an extended period of time. Stonington police, who are working with the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Occupational, Safety and Health Administration say the incident at the Stonington Town Fishing Dock remains under investigation.
Truck driver killed in crash involving 3 semis on Northwest Indiana interstate
JASPER COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) – A truck driver is dead after a crash last night involving three semis on I-65 in Jasper County. It happened around 10 p.m. in the southbound lanes at the 218 mile-marker, which is two miles south of the Fair Oaks exit and three miles north of Rensselaer. Police say traffic on I-65 was slowed at the time of the crash for construction in the area. According to investigators, a red bobtail tractor was stopped in traffic in the right lane when a blue semi-truck/trailer approached from behind. To avoid hitting the stopped red bobtail tractor, police say the driver of the blue semi swerved into the median and hit a cable barrier. Investigators say another semi-truck/trailer that was following closely behind the blue semi was unable to stop in time and hit the back of the red bobtail tractor. The impact reportedly caused both the red bobtail tractor and the third semi-truck/trailer to catch fire. Police say the driver of the third semi-truck/trailer was trapped inside and died at the scene. The driver has not been identified yet. According to investigators, the driver of the red bobtail tractor was able to escape the truck before it went up in flames.
Beloved Shrewsbury Firefighter dies from job-related cancer
Shrewsbury, MA — A beloved Shrewsbury Firefighter died on Aug. 2 with family by his side from job-related cancer. Walter J. “Wally” Wagner, Jr., 70, was born in Worcester but raised and educated in Shrewsbury. He spent 25 years being a firefighter for the town. His death is considered a line of duty death from occupational cancer, the fire department said.
Arkansas Department of Corrections employee dies on duty at Cummins Unit after ‘medical incident’
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – An Arkansas Department of Corrections employee died while on duty this week. ARDOC officials said Sgt. Fredrick Coleman died while on duty at the Cummins Unit on Thursday. Community says goodbye to Conway Co. Detention Center Officer who died while on duty. A spokesperson with the Department of Corrections said the death was the result of a “medical incident.” DOC officials said Coleman was known for his strength, kindness and hard work as well as his dedication to those he worked with.
Ga. police officer killed in shooting near CDC and Emory University
ATLANTA, GA — A suspected gunman and a police officer are dead after law enforcement responded to reports of an active shooter near the adjoining campuses of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University on Friday, authorities said. No civilians are believed to have been injured, but several rounds hit buildings on the CDC’s sprawling campus, said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. The officer who died “received gunfire” during the shooting, DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick said. The police officer who was shot to death in a confrontation with a gunman was identified as 33-year-old David Rose – a husband and father of two daughters who had a son on the way. CDC employees circulated photos from inside the buildings that appear to show numerous windows with bullet impacts in them. The shooter was armed with a long gun, and authorities recovered three other firearms at the scene, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation. The gunman was found on the second floor of a building across the street from the CDC and died at the scene, Schierbaum said. He had blamed a Covid-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal, a law enforcement official told the Associated Press on Saturday.
Baker City man killed in logging accident near Lily White Guard Station
Baker City, OR — A Baker City man died in a logging accident Thursday afternoon, Aug. 7, in the Wallowa Mountains near Lily White Guard Station. Jeremiah Alan Dayhoff, 38, was pronounced dead when other employees brought him to Baker City, said Ashley McClay, public information officer for the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. Medical examiner Deon Strommer confirmed that Dayhoff had died, McClay said on Friday morning, Aug. 8. Trending 6-year-old angler lands a rare trophy at Phillips Reservoir near Baker City OSP trooper clocks 17-year-old driver at 106 mph on highway in Baker Valley “It’s just a tragedy,” McClay said. Dayhoff was working with NSEA Timber on a logging project near the guard station, which is west of Eagle Creek and northeast of Balm Creek Reservoir, McClay said. He was setting chokers — connecting metal cables to fallen logs — when he stepped on one log and slipped to the ground. A second log rolled on top of Dayhoff, McClay said.
A month before retirement, Spokane County Sheriff’s sergeant killed while helping driver on I-90
Cheney, WA — A Spokane County Sheriff’s sergeant was killed Saturday morning after a motorcyclist struck the 34-year veteran as he was assisting a motorist remove a hay bale from Interstate 90 near Cheney. Kenneth Salas, 59, planned to retire next month and had 30 work shifts left before his death, Sheriff John Nowels told reporters Saturday afternoon. A pickup truck hauling a trailer with hay was traveling about 7:50 a.m. east on I-90 near the Four Lakes exit, with Salas following behind in his patrol vehicle, according to Washington State Patrol Sgt. Greg Riddell. The pickup driver, 45-year-old Michael J. Brown, of Spokane, noticed one of the hay bales shifted, so he slowed and the bale fell off the trailer, according to Riddell. Riddell said Brown pulled over to the right side of the interstate and Salas used his patrol car, with his emergency lights illuminated, to block the left lane where the bale fell. Salas and Brown then tried to remove the bale from the road, Riddell said. A third vehicle driving in the left lane noticed the road hazard and moved to the right lane, Riddell said. A motorcyclist, 39-year-old Bobby J. Robbins, of Malden, Washington, following that vehicle switched to the left lane, Riddell said. He said Robbins noticed the stopped patrol car and slowed to avoid hitting it while going around the patrol car on the left side. But, Robbins struck the front left of the car and Salas. Riddell said Salas was taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center where he died.
Hillman man dies in tree-cutting accident near Harding
PULASKI TOWNSHIP, MN — A Hillman man died Thursday afternoon after falling from a tree he was cutting at a rural residence east of Harding. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded about 1 p.m. Aug. 7 to a home on Circle Drive in Pulaski Township, about four miles east of Harding. Daniel Dickman, 57, had been working about 37 feet up in the tree, cutting it down in sections. One cut section swung unexpectedly, striking the trunk and causing it to break. Dickman fell to the ground, and part of the tree landed on him. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Dickman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Man kills his fiancé at her job in Jensen Beach
Jensen Beach, CA — A woman was shot and killed by her fiancé near her workplace Sunday morning. Tonya Sidebottom, 55, who works in custom sewing, was killed in Jensen Beach by 43-year-old Javier Saenz. According to Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Saenz shot Sidebottom inside a storage facility where the custom sewing work is done. Officials say Saenz then called 911. Sidebottom died from the gunshot wound despite lifesaving efforts made by Martin County Sheriff’s deputies and Fire Rescue personnel.
Truck driver killed in Madison Co. semi-rollover
Madison County, Tx (FOX 44) – A 63-year-old man was killed when he was partially ejected from the 18-wheeler he was driving as it rolled over Saturday morning near Madisonville. Department of Public Safety Sgt. Justin Ruiz said it happened about 3:17 a.m. on northbound I-45, near the 150 mile post. Investigating troopers said the rig, driven by Pervis Lloyd of Dallas, went off the roadway. Troopers said the driver over corrected and the rig rolled onto its left side partially ejecting the driver. Lloyd was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chevrolet Silverado sought for fatal hit-and-run on I-75
MARIETTA, Ga. – An early morning traffic crash along I-75 at South Marietta Parkway leaves a driver dead and launches a search for a second driver in Marietta on Aug. 13, 2025. A tractor-trailer driver, Terrell Lowdermilk, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run vehicle, identified as a 2019 to 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, on I-75 near South Marietta Parkway. Police are reviewing witness statements and Department of Transportation camera footage to identify the driver of the Silverado, which likely has front-end damage. Police are searching for the driver of a pickup truck who struck and killed a tractor-trailer driver early Wednesday morning on Interstate 75, shutting down multiple lanes for hours. Investigators say the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. near the South Marietta Parkway exit. Two tractor trailers sideswiped each other while heading north, and both drivers pulled over, one stopping on the interstate and the other on the exit ramp. Police say the drivers got out to exchange information when another vehicle struck one of them, 36-year-old Terrell Lowdermilk of Chattanooga, who was standing in the left lane of the entrance ramp. He died at the scene.
4-year-old girl, her grandfather, Target worker killed in ‘unprovoked’ shooting in Austin
Austin, TX –A grandfather and granddaughter killed in Monday’s shooting at a Target in Austin have been identified as the 32-year-old alleged gunman is now facing three murder charges. A 4-year-old girl, her grandfather and a Target employee have been identified as the victims killed in a shooting outside of a Target store in Austin, Texas, according to police. The suspect, 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, allegedly first shot Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, a Target employee, as he was collecting carts in the parking lot on Monday afternoon, Austin Police Sgt. Nathan Sexton said at a news conference on Tuesday. Nieneker then allegedly approached a family’s car, fatally shot the little girl and her grandfather, Adam Chow, and minorly wounded Adam Chow’s wife and stole their car, Sexton said.
Police investigating death at Alfred University
Allegany County Village, NY — Police are investigating after a person was found dead Aug. 13 at Alfred University. Alfred Police Chief Joshua VanSkiver said the department received a 911 call around 12:45 p.m. reporting an unresponsive person on campus in the Allegany County village. VanSkiver said police department personnel, local emergency medical services, and the Allegany County Coroner’s Office responded to the call.
Tractor-Trailer Overturns on I-90 in Phelps, Driver Killed
Phelps, NY — A tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 90 westbound in the town of Phelps has left one person dead. New York State Police say the incident occurred around 7:41 a.m. Wednesday. Investigators determined that the tractor-trailer, driven by a 40-year-old man, drifted off the roadway, traveled along the guiderail, and ultimately overturned onto its side. The trailer remained attached and was carrying miscellaneous non-hazardous products. The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene and later transported to Geneva General Hospital. Authorities say the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Tennessee truck driver killed on I-35 Thursday in crossover wreck south of Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A truck driver from Tennessee died in a crossover crash Thursday morning on Interstate 35 in Franklin County, Kansas. The Kansas Highway Patrol says the driver of a 2023 Freightliner was traveling north on I-35 near Sand Creek Road when the driver drifted from the roadway into the grassy median. The semi continued into the southbound lanes of I-35. The driver of a second semi who was driving south on I-35 attempted to avoid the oncoming semi but was unable to avoid a collision. The driver of the first semi, identified as 29-year-old Zachary Williams of Liberty, Tennessee, died from injuries in the crash. The driver of the second semi, a 52-year-old Albuquerque, New Mexico, man, was transported to a Kansas City-area hospital with serious injuries.
Maui officer killed in line of duty, police chief calls her ‘the finest of us’
Maui, HI — A Maui police officer was shot and killed Friday while responding to reports of a person firing a rifle in the area of the old sugar mill, according to police and reports. The Maui Police Department identified the fallen officer as Suzanne O, who joined the force in 2020. She was fatally struck in Paia, located on the northern coast of the island of Maui, Hawaii, the Maui Police Department said in a statement. The suspect, who also has not been named, has been taken into custody. Police chief described incident as ‘absolute tragedy’ and ‘dark day’ for department. Maui Police Chief John Pelletier told Hawaii News Now that officers responded to an illegal shooting call in the area of the old sugar mill when they encountered the suspect who was firing what police believe to be a rifle. “Our officer suffered a round in her chest area. Officers returned fire. The subject was shot in the lower hip area and is in custody,” Pelletier said.
Pa. firefighter dies from injuries he got on the job responding to a fire
Bucks County, PA — A long-time firefighter has died after getting hurt while responding to a fire last week, according to fire departments in Bucks County. Ed Margavich was part of the Third District Volunteer Fire Company Station 14 as well as the Goodwill Hose Company number three, station 52.
Mass. Sleepover Camp Employee Dies By Drowning
Monterey, MA — An employee of Camp Half Moon in Monterey, MA died by accidental drowning last Sunday, according to the Berkshire County DA’s office. Miguel Rodriguez Perez, a 21-year-old Mexican national, drowned in Lake Buel. Mr. Rodriguez Perez, employed in the Camp Halfmoon kitchen, was swimming with two coworkers in the camp’s designated swimming area. While swimming from an inflatable water structure to the dock, approximately 20–25 feet away, he submerged about halfway, in water 6–8 feet deep. His coworkers could not locate him. Approximately 10–20 minutes later, Mr. Rodriguez Perez was found submerged beneath the Camp Halfmoon dock ladder. CPR was immediately administered, and first responders arrived shortly after.
Unbuckled semi-truck driver killed in Sevier County rollover crash
RICHFIELD, Utah (KUTV) — A semi-truck driver was killed in a rollover crash. They were not wearing a seatbelt, Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Cameron Roden said. The semi reportedly went off eastbound I-70 just before 5 a.m. on Friday. The driver hit the barrier several times and rolled, blocking the left lane. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dump truck driver killed in crash
RICHLAND COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) — The driver of a dump truck was killed Friday afternoon during a three-vehicle crash in Richland County. Shaker Heights cheerleader released from hospital weeks after leg amputation
According to a news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, an 81-year-old man in a Chrysler minivan was driving east on State Route 96 in Franklin Township when he attempted to turn left onto State Route 13. The minivan was hit on the passenger side by a Kenworth T-800 dump truck that was going north on State Route 13. Following the collision, the dump truck hit a guardrail then overturned, partially ejecting the driver who died at the scene, according to troopers. A third vehicle caught in the crash only sustained minor damage and the driver was not hurt.
Truck driver killed in central Minnesota in collision of two semis
Eden Valley, MN — A semitrailer truck driver was killed Friday afternoon when his truck collided with another semi truck on Hwy. 55 west of Eden Valley, Minn., according to the State Patrol. Authorities said a Kenworth truck was stationary in the eastbound lane and waiting to turn left, just east of Lakewood Road, when a second Kenworth truck headed east slammed into it from behind. The accident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. David A. Hofstadter, 57, of Burtrum, Minn., was killed. The other driver, Thomas J. Haag, 73, of Eden Valley, was not injured. Road conditions were dry at the time of the collision and alcohol was not a factor, according to the State Patrol.
3 arrested after employee shot, killed at South Carolina bar
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTV) – Three men were arrested after an employee was shot at a South Carolina bar and later died this past week. The shooting happened just before 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15 at Rascal’s Bar and Grill on 16th Avenue in Conway. Conway police said when they first got to the bar, they found a person shot. That person was then taken to the hospital. The victim, 41-year-old Lester Goldsmith, later died at the hospital, according to sister-station WMBF. WMBF also confirmed that Goldsmith worked at the bar.