How Workers Died Last Week: Confined space, electrocution, oil field explosion, firefighting, falls, drowning, helicopter crash, farming, tree trimming, construction, vehicle incidents and shootings. On average, over 100 workers are killed every week in the United States due to traumatic injuries suffered at work. More than 20 times as many die from occupational diseases, many due to exposure to hazardous substances many years before they died. The few narratives below (gathered from almost 100 Google News searches) do not come close to capturing the full toll that work takes on the working people of this country. Nevertheless the accounts below gave you a taste of the preventable carnage occurring in workplaces across the country every day. Why We Write The Weekly Toll
Odessa man dead after reported industrial accident in Northeast Andrews County
ANDREWS COUNTY, Texas — An Odessa man has died after an industrial accident in Northeast Andrews County on Monday, according to Andrews County Sheriff Rusty Stewart. The Andrews County Sheriff’s Office, along with Andrews EMS and Andrews Fire Marshals, was called to Northeast Andrews County due to a reported industrial accident at an oil field pump station. Sheriff Stewart said the caller stated a valve had exploded and one man was injured. When officials arrived at the pump station, EMS reportedly found a man dead. The man was identified as 48-year-old James Hathcox from Odessa.
Worker who died after passing out in underground Sacramento Costco gas tank identified
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A 37-year-old man from Berkeley has been identified as the person who died after fainting while working underground Monday on a gas tank at a Sacramento Costco. On Tuesday, the Sacramento County coroner identified him as 37-year-old Ashkan Moghaddam. First responders were dispatched around 10:45 a.m. to the Costco on Expo Boulevard. A third-party crew member from Ponder Environmental brought in by Costco to clean its underground holding tanks had either passed out from the strong gas fumes or experienced a medical emergency after making his way down, the Sacramento Fire Department said. The tank was emptied while the fuel pumps were being remodeled. After the man collapsed, the workers were unable to pull him out of the confined space about 10 to 15 feet below the surface. “The other workers were trying to get down in that hole and take them out. It’s obviously not a good idea. They weren’t on supplied air or anything of that nature,” said Justin Sylvia with the Sacramento Fire Department. A rescue and hazmat team was dispatched. Sylvia said the fire crews had to take their own safety precautions, using supplied air.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot and killed in Utah
Orem, UT — Charlie Kirk, a key ally of President Donald Trump and founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk, 31, had been speaking to a crowd from under a tent when a shot rang out and he jolted back, bleeding profusely from the neck, video shared on social media shows. Spectators ran from the courtyard where they were gathered, next to the university’s student center.
Fisherman, 27, killed in accident aboard vessel, officials say
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) – A 27-year-old fisherman in Alaska was killed in an accident aboard a commercial vessel, according to state authorities. Alaska State Troopers said they received a report around 9:45 p.m. on Sept. 3 that Baxter Cox had been struck in the head by heavy gear while working aboard a fishing vessel. Investigators said Cox was attempting to untangle the rope attached to a steel cod pot when the vessel’s pot shaker was lowered onto him. Crew members attempted emergency first aid, but Cox was pronounced dead, troopers said. His body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
Pulaski County deputies respond to fatal tower fall, man dies despite life-saving efforts
Pulaski County, AR — Deputies of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office were on the scene after receiving a report of a man that fell while on a tower. The fall occurred on Two Towers Road. He was identified as Toby Cole, 62, of Harlingen, Texas. It was reported that he was working before the incident took place. Responders attempted life saving measures to revive the individual, however he succumbed to his injuries, according to PCSO. An investigation is underway.
Victims in Carbon County helicopter crash are identified
JIM THORPE, Pa. — Carbon County Coroner Mark K. Smith on Saturday identified the two men who died in a helicopter crash near Jim Thorpe this week as 52-year-old Jeffrey Patmore and 40-year-old Michael Higgins. The two died Thursday in Penn Forest Township while working on powerlines. Patmore, of Terrace, British Columbia, piloted the four-seat helicopter and Higgins, of Haddon Twp., New Jersey, worked as a lineman for a PPL Electric contractor. The official cause and manner of death was pending an autopsy scheduled Saturday. The helicopter crashed Thursday afternoon during work on powerlines for an ongoing construction project, officials have said. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating what caused the helicopter to go down. Officials said it is possible the craft’s blades may have become entangled in the powerlines.
70-year-old employee killed in industrial accident at U.S. Pipe in Bessemer
Bessemer, PA — A 70-year-old man was killed in an industrial accident in Bessemer. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Dorsey Brown Holt Jr. He lived in Bessemer. The accident happened Thursday at U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company at 2101 18th Ave. North. Holt was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:41 a.m. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said the undisclosed happened sometime between 4:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. Holt died of blunt force injuries during a work-related accident. No additional details have been released.
Dad of 5 Served Fire Department for 21 Years. He Died Trying to Rescue Colleague from Burning Warehouse
DeKalb County, GA — A veteran firefighter has died after attempting to save one of his coworkers from a burning warehouse in Georgia. Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, died while battling the blaze at the warehouse on South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road on Monday, Sept. 8, according to a news release from DeKalb County officials. Officials said Fant “became trapped while attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter” from inside the building. He was eventually removed and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Fant is the first DeKalb County firefighter to die in the line of duty, according to the news release. He is survived by his wife and five children.
Roofer, 23, dies after falling from 5-story building in Wilton Manors
WILTON MANORS, Fla. — A 23-year-old roofer died Thursday after falling from the roof of a five-story building in Wilton Manors, authorities said. Wilton Manors police said emergency crews were called to the Wilton Station apartment complex, located near the 500 block of Northeast 26th Street, where a man was found unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said the man, whose name has not yet been released, was working on the roof of a residential property when he lost his footing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified and will assist in the investigation, authorities confirmed.
1 person dead after industrial accident in Georgetown
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — One person has died following an industrial accident at International Crankshaft in Georgetown, according to the Scott County coroner. Georgetown police and OSHA are investigating the incident. The coroner says the contractor was conducting machine maintenance. He’s been identified as 35-year-old Richard Thurman from Elizabethtown.
Construction worker killed on I-64
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. — A construction worker is dead after an early morning accident in Cabell County. Barboursville Police said the victim, Heath McHone, was working on I-64 in the eastbound lanes of the construction area at the 17-mile marker around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. The worker, according to investigators, stepped into the traffic lane and was struck by an oncoming bus. The worker was employed by Triton Construction.
Town employee killed after crash involving lawnmower, car in Enfield
ENFIELD, CT – An Enfield town employee was killed after a crash involving a lawnmower and a car Friday. According to police, the driver hit the town Department of Public Works mower along North Main Street. The employee, identified as Jamie Nickerson, was transported to Baystate Medical Center and pronounced dead. The operator of the other vehicle, Alexander Torres, was also transported with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Okla. paramedic killed, several injured in ambulance crash
WOODWARD COUNTY, Okla. — A Woodward County EMS paramedic was killed on Sept. 11 when an ambulance collided with a semi truck, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and local officials. The Oklahoman reported the crash occurred on U.S. 270 just south of Oakwood in Dewey County as the ambulance was transporting a patient to Oklahoma City. Paramedic Jeffery W. Jones, 55, who was driving the ambulance, was pronounced dead at the scene. The patient and a second crew member were injured, Woodward County Commissioner Clint White said. 9 News reported that the crash involved a semi truck, and five patients were transported to the hospital. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
Government employee dies trying to save coworker in North Carolina, report says
SEA LEVEL, N.C. (WBTV) – A government employee died while he was reportedly trying to save a coworker in North Carolina this week, according to sister-station WITN. The state Marine Fisheries employee — 52-year-old James Marc Hamric — was reportedly collecting water samples near Turnagain Bay in Carteret County on Wednesday, Sept. 10 when the boat he and his team were working out of started to drift away. WITN said one of Hamric’s coworkers made it out to the drifting boat but could not get in. Hamric reportedly took off his waders and started to swim back to shore to get help but went underwater. The Carteret County Sheriff’s Office said his team was able to get him back above water within minutes and began CPR. Paramedics arrived soon after but were unable to save Hamric.
Ohio county EMS announces line-of-duty death of EMT
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio — Lawrence County, Ohio EMS announced a line-of-duty death on Wednesday. Advanced EMT Mike Campbell died on Monday, Sept. 8, while serving the residents of Lawrence County, according to a press release from Lawrence EMS. Campbell was also the assistant fire chief at Chesapeake-Union Township Volunteer Fire Department. Lawrence EMS called Campbell a dedicated firefighter, EMT and public servant. He passed away of natural causes, Lawrence EMS wrote, while performing duties Monday at Chesapeake EMS Station 3.
Veteran DeKalb County firefighter dies after battling warehouse blaze
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – A longtime DeKalb County firefighter has died after being injured while battling a commercial fire Monday afternoon. County officials said the veteran firefighter served with the department for 21 years. He was hurt while working to put out a blaze along South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, just south of Chapman Road. The location matches a warehouse that appears to operate as a movie studio specializing in horror films. DeKalb County fire officials said 53-year-old Master Firefighter Preston Fant, who was with DeKalb County Fire Rescue for 21 years, died on Monday from injuries sustained in a commercial structure fire.
Worker dies after falling from attic at Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — One person was killed in what police are calling an industrial accident in Salt Lake City on Tuesday. According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the unidentified person fell to their death at the Rio Grande Depot along 300 West and Rio Grande Street. Police told FOX 13 News on Wednesday that a construction worker was in the attic of the depot when he fell through a space that wasn’t protected by the flooring. Detectives say no one witnessed the fall, but they don’t believe there is anything suspicious. The investigation is being taken over by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration who will be looking into whether the proper safety measures were being taken.
Construction worker crushed by collapsed parapet in Brooklyn
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)– A construction worker died after a parapet collapsed on top of him Tuesday afternoon, according to police sources. Officers say a 58-year-old man was found unresponsive at 224 Highland Boulevard at 2:50 p.m. The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead by hospital staff, authorities said. It is believed that a brick parapet collapsed on top of the man, who was a construction worker. The injuries he had obtained were due to the wall falling, police sources said. No criminality is suspected. A full investigation remains ongoing, authorities said.
Kent City man dies while trimming trees in Rockford
ROCKFORD, Mich. — A Kent City man was killed in an “industrial accident” while he was trimming trees in Rockford, police say.ile-road-investigation-police-public-safety-kent-county-michigan” in Rockford, according to the Rockford Department of Public Safety. The incident happened on West Bridge Street near River Street and 10 Mile Road NE. According to public safety officers, the 43-year-old was trimming trees on a property when an accident involving a towable trailer boom lift happened. The 43-year-old was the only person who died. No other injuries were reported, public safety officers said. As of Tuesday, the incident remains under investigation, and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has been notified, according to the department.
HVAC worker electrocuted on Tempe roof
Tempe, AZ — An HVAC worker was electrocuted while on a roof, servicing a unit in Tempe on Monday, Sept. 8. Officials confirmed the worker’s death on Tuesday. Foul play is not believed to have played a role in huis death. On Monday morning, Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, Scottsdale Fire and Phoenix Fire responded to a medical building, in the area of 1800 East 6th Street in Tempe. “An HVAC worker was servicing the unit when he was electrocuted.” Officials said an HVAC worker was servicing the unit on the roof of the building. Firefighters used a ladder truck to get the man, later identified as 29-year-old Trevor Lee, off the roof before transporting him to the hospital. Lee did not survive his injuries.
A firefighter dies after a cardiac emergency in the line of duty at the Grand Canyon
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. — A firefighter working at the scene of a wildfire burning since July at the Grand Canyon died Monday after suffering a cardiac emergency, authorities said. The firefighter was actively involved in fire suppression repair near the North Rim Entrance Station at the time, the Dragon Bravo Fire incident management team said in a news release. A paramedic attempted to revive him but was unsuccessful, it said. The National Park Service is investigating the death in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. 70-year-old J. Hank Hester, of Priest River, Idaho was working on hazard tree removal operations when he suffered a cardiac emergency.
Semi-truck driver killed in Clay County train crash
CLAY COUNTY, Ark. – A semi-truck driver was killed in a train crash in Clay County Tuesday morning. Union Pacific officials said the driver collided with the train around 8 a.m. at the Clay County Road 346 crossing, northeast of Piggott. The driver was found dead at the scene. Officials have not identified the victim. Clay County emergency responders and crews with Union Pacific are responding to the incident. This marks the second deadly train crash, with the first incident reported in Little Rock Monday afternoon.
Construction worker dies at Columbus courthouse site; contractor says it was a ‘personal medical condition’
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A worker died Friday afternoon at the construction site of the new Muscogee County courthouse on Tenth Street. Danny King, 51, of Cusseta, was pronounced dead at 3:05 p.m. at the Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown emergency room, Coroner Buddy Bryan tells WRBL News 3. The construction site was shut down on Monday by the contractors Gilbane, Inc., and Freeman & Associates. “This is a pretty traumatic thing,” said Freeman Executive Vice President David Hawkins. “It was a personal medical condition.” Work will resume on Tuesday at the construction site with counselors on site to speak with employees who request it, Hawkins said. Coroner Buddy Bryan said that since King’s death was from undetermined causes, the body was sent to the state crime lab in Decatur for an autopsy. Bryan says that it is a common practice when a death occurs on a large job site.
Cal OSHA investigates employee death at Sun Pacific Delano Farms
DELANO, Calif. (KERO) — Cal OSHA is investigating the death of an employee who died while working at Sun Pacific Delano Farms on Monday. Limited information is available about the incident. A Cal OSHA spokesperson said the employee worked as an irrigator and that the investigation could take up to six months to complete. 23ABC reached out to Sun Pacific Delano Farms for comment, but the company declined to respond. The name of the victim has not been released.
Lancaster man dies after being caught in moving parts of farm machinery
LANCASTER, Wis. — A Lancaster man died after a farming accident Monday afternoon, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said. The accident was reported at around 1:47 p.m. A 911 caller reported that a man was caught underneath farming equipment on Boice Creek Road. When first responders arrived, the found the man dead. An investigation found that Robert Stader, 77, of Lancaster was working with another man on a piece of farm machinery. Stader became caught in the moving parts of the machinery and died from injuries sustained in the accident.
Worker dies during landscaping job when he is trapped under water in a Fort Ann Pond
Fort Ann, NY (WRGB) — On September 5, 2025, State Police responded to a deadly incident involving a landscaping machine that resulted in the death of a worker. At approximately 7:25 PM, troopers arrived at the scene off Deweys Bridge Road, where a Bobcat skid steer had slid into a pond. The operator was moving dirt around the pond when the machine unintentionally entered the water. The man has been identified as 62-year-old Peter McCabe of Ronkonkoma. Despite efforts to free himself, McCabe was trapped as the machine submerged. A water rescue was conducted, and immediate life-saving measures were administered. McCabe was transported to Glens Falls Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
37 Year Old Garbage Truck Driver Killed in Crash
Orion Township, MI – A 37-year-old Flint man was fatally injured Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash in Orion Township. The crash happened at approximately 4:56 p.m. on East Silverbell Road near Lapeer Road. Trent Edward Evans was operating a 2020 Peterbilt 520 waste truck west on Silverbell Road when his truck was struck by a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee which failed to yield while exiting a private driveway. The Jeep was driven by a 16-year-old Oakland Township male. Evans attempted to swerve to avoid the Jeep, but the truck overturned and slid on its side, causing the driver’s cab to hit a utility pole. Evans, who was wearing a shoulder seatbelt, was transported to the hospital by paramedics from the Orion Township Fire Department where he died from his injuries.
Minneapolis man identified as survey worker killed by driver in Scott County
New Market Township, MN — Authorities have identified the survey worker struck and killed by a driver in Scott County on Monday as 44-year-old Joseph Norgaard, of Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office said Norgaard died at the scene of multiple blunt force injuries. His manner of death has been ruled accidental. “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones,” Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen said in a statement Monday. “Whether it’s a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or someone working along the roadway, drivers must always remain alert and attentive to help prevent tragedies like this,” he added. According to the sheriff’s office, the crash happened near the intersection of Texas Avenue and 230th Street East in New Market Township around 11:50 a.m. A 58-year old Lonsdale man was driving northbound on Texas Avenue in a Chevrolet Equinox when he struck Nordgaard, who was performing survey work along the roadway, the agency said.
Victims named in fatal crash on I-75
BATH TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WLIO) – One truck driver died and two others were injured during a three-semi crash on I-75 Wednesday morning. It happened just after 10 AM at the southbound off-ramp at State Route 81. Troopers say a semi driven by Nardini Salvatore of Florida was stopped in traffic on southbound I-75. Another semi, driven by Jean Fervi from Georgia, was also stopped in the southbound lane. That’s when a semi driven by 37-year-old Mazen Mammo of Madison Heights, Michigan struck the rear end of Salvatore’s semi, forcing it into the truck driven by Fervi. Mammo’s truck then caught on fire. The state patrol says Mazen Mammo was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two drivers suffered minor injuries. That portion of I-75 was closed for around three hours and the exit ramp to SR 81 will remain closed for the rest of the night. The crash remains under investigation.
Man dies in accident at recycling center
HARTFORD, Vt. (WCAX/Gray News) – A man was killed in an incident at a Vermont recycling plant over the weekend. Officials said it happened Saturday shortly before noon at the Hartford Recycling and Waste Management Center. According to officials, 76-year-old Paul Smollin was standing behind his truck and lowering the tailgate to check in when another truck in line accelerated, pinning him between the two trucks. He was rushed to the hospital with a leg injury, but went into cardiac arrest and died. Police are still investigating the incident. No charges have been filed as of now.
Truck driver killed in fiery I-10 crash leaves behind wife, 4 children
IOWA, La. (KPLC) – An Ohio-based moving company has identified the truck driver and passenger killed in a fiery crash on I-10 Tuesday morning. Driver Glen Edward Lucas, 56, and his helper, identified only as Leon, died after an 18-wheeler ran off the road near Iowa and hit a group of trees, RLD Relocation & Logistics President John DiMariangeli said. DiMariangeli said they believe Lucas had a medical episode and was unconscious before the crash. Louisiana State Police said the coroner will determine whether that was the case. Leon is believed to have been asleep in the bunk area at the time of the crash, DiMariangeli said. Lucas leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Jerri, and four children, DiMariangeli said.