How workers died last week: trench collapse, electrocutions, coal mining, falls, tree care, crane collapse, vehicular collisions, stabbed, ruptured hot water tank, and shootings. On average, 100 workers die every week from traumatic injuries on the job in the United States. 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.
Worker dies after being electrocuted at Pine Bluff High School construction site
PINE BLUFF, AR — A man was reportedly killed earlier this month when he was electrocuted while working on the new Pine Bluff High School. Chase McCarley, 22, was electrocuted while working at the construction site on March 11. McCarley was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. McCarley was reportedly taking classes as an electrician while working for a company in North Little Rock.
Worker killed after trench collapse at Franklin County construction site identified
FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA — Pennsylvania State Police on Monday identified the worker who was killed in a Franklin County trench collapse last week. Troopers said, 20-year-old Dalen Martin, of Smithsburg, Maryland, was killed in the trench collapsed along Clover Lane in Hamilton Township on Thursday, April 2, just after 2 p.m. Martin was doing construction work when the collapse happened, Troopers said. An inquiry was left with OSHA on Thursday to see if the agency is investigating, but abc27 has yet to hear back as of Monday afternoon. Franklin Fire Company said at the time of the incident, crews were called for a person trapped up to their waist, but the fire company reported in an update that one person had died.
Wichita police identify man killed in workplace accident
WICHITA, KS — Wichita police have identified a man who fell from 60 feet while working downtown as a 45-year-old David Rodriguez. Emergency crews were called to a construction site just after 11 a.m. at English and Topeka for the report of a worker who was critically injured after falling. Midwest Drywall confirmed that one of its employees. The company said that the site has been secured and work is temporarily suspended while the incident is reviewed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating Rodriguez’s death.
Preliminary autopsy results identify victim of Longview industrial death
LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – A preliminary autopsy report has identified the victim killed in an industrial incident at Trinity Tank Car in Longview. The worker who died in the March 30 fire was identified as Ramon Elizondo Sanchez, 67. Sanchez’s body was sent to Forensic Medical Management Services of Texas in Tyler for a post-mortem examination. According to Gregg County Precinct 2 JP Tim Bryan, the preliminary report revealed Sanchez showed no apparent soot in his airways. The absence of soot indicates Sanchez did not inhale smoke during the incident. Bryan also said preliminary findings indicated Sanchez was in “normal” condition for a 67-year-old male. Additional reports, including toxicology results and a complete autopsy report, are expected in the coming months, according to Bryan. According to Longview Fire Marshal Marcus Delaney, crews that responded to investigate the scene did not find anything suspicious. The investigation is ongoing and will be forwarded to investigators at the Longview Police Department and fire department. OSHA is also investigating the death.
Employee dies after being hit by falling spool from crane at Carol Stream factory
CAROL STREAM, IL — An employee died Tuesday afternoon after being trapped underneath a crane at a stainless steel and aluminum factory in Carol Stream, Illinois. Carol Stream police said the officers and paramedics from the fire department arrived around noon at S and S International at 457 St. Paul Blvd. for a report of a workplace incident involving a person trapped underneath a crane. Upon arrival, they found the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary information indicated that the victim, a 55-year-old man, was attempting to load a large metal spool onto a flatbed truck using an overhead crane. During this, the crane gave way, causing the spool to fall from an elevated height, hitting the employee. His identity is being withheld as of Tuesday afternoon. Carol Stream police said the incident does not appear to be criminal in nature. The Carol Stream Police Department and the DuPage County Coroner’s Office are investigating. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has also launched its own investigation.
Man dies in fall while cutting tree in Vestavia Hills neighborhood
VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — A man died after falling from a tree in a Vestavia Hills neighborhood on Tuesday. The incident happened at 11:30 a.m. at a home in the 2800 block of Westwyck Circle, where emergency crews were called on a report of a man injured in the fall. Aaron Ligon McGarity, 36, of Bessemer, died at the scene, according to the coroner. He was an employee of a tree company hired to remove a tree from a residential property and sustained injuries during that process. A large tree-cutting apparatus was at the scene. Details about the circumstances leading up to the fall were not immediately released. A neighbor told WVTM 13 that the man had been cutting a tree when a line snapped, causing him to fall.
Murdered Rhode Island salon employee leaves behind husband and children, remembered as “everything you could hope for in a person”
CENTRAL FALLS, RI — A Rhode Island woman who was murdered while on the job Thursday is being remembered. 50-year-old Putali Kunwar, was found deceased as a result of an apparent act of violence and possible robbery at Sue’s Salon at 360 Hunt Street in Central Falls. Through diligent investigative efforts, including canvassing the surrounding area for surveillance footage, detectives were able to identify a suspect as well as a vehicle used to arrive at and flee the scene. Utilizing recently deployed Flock camera technology, investigators successfully identified a license plate associated with the vehicle.
Conway Walmart employee killed in store stabbing
CONWAY, AR — Police in Conway have arrested a man who is accused of killing a Walmart employee in a Tuesday night stabbing. According to the Conway Police Department, the stabbing happened just before 11 p.m. at the Walmart located at 1155 Skyline Drive. Police identified the victim as 32-year-old Jordanne Drinkwater. She died at the scene. After being notified of the stabbing, officers said they found 37-year-old Zeddrick Ross still armed with a knife inside the store. Police said Ross did not comply with officers and began moving toward them. Officials said an officer fired their weapon and another officer used a taser. The suspect was taken into custody and not injured in the shooting. Detectives said a preliminary investigation indicates that Ross was not a Walmart employee and did not know Drinkwater or had any known contact with her.
Bob Van Wingerden dies after hot water holding tank ruptures at Catoctin Mtn Growers
KEYMAR, MD — Bob Van Wingerden, the owner and founder of Catoctin Mtn Growers in Keymar, Maryland, died three days after he was injured when a large hot water holding tank ruptured in an incident that was initially reported to be a fire or explosion, according to local fire officials and Van Wingerden’s obituary. First responders found extensive damage, including partially collapsed sections of the building and an overturned vehicle tangled in the debris. Three employees were injured, including the 65-year-old Van Wingerden. He was flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with critical injuries. Two other employees sustained burn injuries. Of those two, one was transported by ambulance to the same facility in stable condition; the other refused treatment. A team of investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives determined a large hot water holding tank had ruptured, suddenly spilling its entire 1.1 million gallons of 180-degree water throughout the area. This caused damage consistent with an explosion, officials said. The Carroll County (Maryland) Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health responded due to the injured employees.
Truck driver dead after a piece of timber went through the semi-truck cab in Lakeland crash
POLK COUNTY, FL — A truck driver was killed following a crash in Lakeland involving two semi-tractors Wednesday morning when a piece of timber went through his cab. Polk County deputies were dispatched at about 10:50 a.m. in the area of U.S. 98 North at State Road 471 to reports that two semi-trucks collided. When officials arrived, they found 44-year old Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford of Winter Park dead in the cab of a semi-tractor with a trailer. Investigators learned the driver of a Mack truck, a 34-year-old Ocala man, was hauling tree timber while driving in front of Beauford’s vehicle. The Mack truck went into a left turn lane when Beauford did not notice it slowing down in front of him, hit the load of timber and causing it to pierce his cab, the trailer and cargo inside, PCSO said. This caused some hazardous materials to spill on the road, causing traffic to be rerouted and close U.S. 98 for several hours. The sheriff’s office said the timber-hauling truck was in compliance with all safety measures. The investigation remains ongoing, though no criminal or civil charges are expected.
One person dead after crash in Audrain County
AUDRAIN COUNTY, MO — The driver of a tractor-trailer is dead after a rollover crash in Audrain County. According to a post from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the incident happened on Route J, east of Route B near Laddonia. A crash report from MSHP states the crash occurred when a 2011 International LF627 semi-truck ran off the right side of the roadway, striking a ditch. The semi-truck’s cargo shifted and struck the cab. The 48-year-old Chicago man was pronounced dead on the scene. MSHP noted the driver was wearing a seatbelt during the incident.
2 killed when box truck overturns on I-78 overpass
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A truck driver and his passenger died Wednesday when the box truck they were in crashed on Interstate 78 in Essex County, authorities said. The crash occurred around 6:25 p.m. in the local lanes at milepost 56.6 in Newark, according to New Jersey State Police. An investigation showed the truck was headed east when it veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, continued east before hitting a light pole and overturning. The driver, Chad Hill, 35, of Edison, was ejected and killed. Hill’s 46-year-old passenger also died in the crash. The passenger’s name was withheld pending notification of relatives, troopers said. The crash remains under investigation.
Vermilion man dies of injuries after being pinned under vehicle
AMHERST, OH — A Vermilion man has died of injuries sustained when a vehicle he was working on at a Brownhelm Township auto repair shop fell on him. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner said that David Williams, 43, died Wednesday at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Williams had been flown to MetroHealth for treatment after a vehicle he was working on at L&M Towing and Repair in Brownhelm Township fell from a lift and crushed him, Vermilion Fire Chief William Brown said. Vermilion fire was dispatched to the auto shop just after 10:45 a.m. and arrived to find that Williams’ co-workers had freed him from beneath the fallen vehicle and were performing first aid. The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office took a report on the incident and will review it for consideration of an investigation, but Major Jeff Krepina said that it did not appear initially that there would be a criminal investigation. Krepina said that Williams’ death was reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration which would investigate. Tragically, Williams was the father of Paige Williams, 17, one of the two girls who drowned in a car crash just short of a month ago. Williams and her friend Lucy Hopkins, 18, died after a car they were in crashed and went into the water of the Beaver Park Marina in Lorain on the morning of March 6.
Woman involved in deadly shooting of Jackson County deputy identified
JACKSON COUNTY, MS — A Jackson County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call Wednesday night, according to Sheriff John Ledbetter. Deputy Michael Jimerson, 61, was killed after responding to the Reserve at Gulf Hills Apartments at 6721 Washington Avenue around 11 p.m. in the St. Martin area, Ledbetter said. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) said the deputy engaged in a brief foot pursuit with a female. Officials said she then exchanged gunfire with the deputy. Deputy Jimerson was transported to Ocean Springs Hospital, where he later died. The female was also killed. The Jackson County Coroner identified her as 27-year-old Maley Elizabeth Ross. MBI is now looking into the case. MBI said no other deputies involved sustained any injuries. Jimerson is survived by his wife, son, daughter and three grandchildren.
Employee Dies at Taco Del Rio in La Puente
LA PUENTE, CA — A 57-year-old employee died Wednesday after suffering an apparent medical emergency. The publicly-unidentified employee died at Taco Del Rio, 445 S. Azusa Ave. First responders were called to the scene around 4:49 p.m. April 1. The employee died at the scene, according to Sgt. Munshi of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Industry Station. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
1 dead following industrial accident at construction site
LUBBOCK, TX — Emergency crews responded to the scene of a construction incident in southwest Lubbock on Thursday. Just after 9 a.m., first responders were called to a collision near 114th Street and Upland. Lubbock police said 38-year-old Pete Martinez III was working with his street construction crew when he was walking near a front end loader. Martinez was unintentionally ran over and died. LPD said a death investigation is underway.
Two WV miners die within 24 hours at separate mines that each report dozens of safety violations
RALEIGH COUNTY AND MARSHALL COUNTY, WV — Two miners in West Virginia — one in Raleigh County and another in Marshall County — died in separate mining incidents between Thursday evening and Friday morning at mines facing dozens of federal citations for safety violations since the beginning of the year, according to information from the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. In Raleigh County, 53-year-old Aaron Warrix died after being struck by a rock at the Horse Creek Eagle Mine — which is listed as Panther Eagle Mine by MSHA — around 5 p.m. on Thursday, according to a news release from Alpha Metallurgical Resources. The Chapmanville native was a shuttle car operator who had worked for Marfork Coal Company — a subsidiary of Alpha — for more than four years. Around 10:30 a.m. Friday morning, a man also died at the Ohio County Mine, in Marshall County, where local news reported he was allegedly caught between pieces of machinery. Gov. Patrick Morrisey identified the man in a news release Friday evening as Darin Reece, a continuous miner section supervisor. The Ohio County Mine is operated by Ohio County Coal Resources, Inc., which is a subsidiary of American Consolidated Natural Resources, Inc. According to MSHA’s online database, both the Panther Eagle Mine and the Ohio County Mine are undergoing routine health and safety inspections that started on April 1. Since Jan. 1, 2026, the Panther Eagle Mine has been subject to 50 citations for violations relating to MSHA’s health and safety standards, according to the federal agency. Those violations range from inadequate ventilation systems and escape routes for workers underground to the accumulation of combustible materials and lacking fire equipment. Per the MSHA database, at least 23 citations have been levied against Panther Eagle Mine since last June for violations relating to the complex’s roof control plan and a lack of protections and support to prevent injury from falling rock and coal in areas where workers travel. The Ohio County Mine, per MSHA, has received 29 citations for violations related to health and safety standards since the beginning of 2026, including for subpar methane monitors and the testing, examination and maintenance of electrical equipment, among many others.
Maintenance worker shot dead after argument in Rossville, Walker Co. Sheriff says
ROSSVILLE, GA — A 59-year-old maintenance worker was shot dead by a man after an argument in Rossville, according to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson. Deputies responded to the 1100 block of Ridgewood Street around 9:05pm on Friday, April 3. Upon arrival, they found Jerry Hightower deceased in a front yard. Witnesses to the shooting quickly alerted deputies to the suspect, who was sitting on his front porch across the street. The supposed shooter’s name is James Richard Nowlin, and he’s 49 years old. A preliminary investigation reveals that Nowlin and Hightower were arguing about a bright work light shining on Nowlin’s home. Hightower, who did not live on the street, was there to perform some maintenance work. Nowlin is charged with murder and is in the Walker County Jail.
Two Berks County firefighters killed in crash during search for missing woman
BERKS CO, PA — A Berks County fire company is grieving the loss of two of its leaders who were killed in a crash while assisting in a search for a missing woman. Authorities say Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert R. Shick Jr., both with the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company, were riding in a utility vehicle when it collided head-on with another vehicle around 6 p.m. The pair had been part of a search effort at the time of the crash. Officials say Buck was pronounced dead at Lehigh Valley Hospital, while Shick died at Reading Hospital. Autopsies are scheduled as part of the investigation. The crash remains under investigation by Fleetwood police, along with the Berks County District Attorney’s Forensic Services Unit and the county coroners in both Berks and Lehigh counties.
AV man, 33, killed in crane accident identified
LANCASTER, CA — A man who was killed after a crane fell in a work zone at a Los Angeles County Public Works facility was identified Thursday by county authorities as Victor Cepeda, 33, was identified as the victim of the accident by the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner. The accident was reported at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday at 260 East Ave. K-8, east of Market Place. A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesman said details about the fatal accident remained limited, as state Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials continued investigating the cause of the apparent mechanical malfunction.
Broward County firefighter dies on duty at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Two government agencies are mourning the loss of a colleague. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday that Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue firefighter and paramedic Steven Lepselter, 54, died Sunday morning while on duty. The sheriff’s office said around 6:55 a.m., deputies and fire rescue personnel responded to a medical call inside the Palm Garage at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. When they arrived, they found Lepselter unresponsive on the ground. Fire Rescue transported Lepselter to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. According to the sheriff’s office, Lepselter was ending his fire watch at the airport and preparing to head to his regular shift in Weston, when he was found unresponsive in the parking garage.
‘He will be greatly missed’: Deputy dies after suffering ‘medical emergency’ during 120-mile relay race
LOS ANGELES, CA — A deputy in Los Angeles died after suffering a “medical emergency” during a 120-mile relay race, according to authorities. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Levi Vargas, 30, suffered a medical emergency during the annual 2026 Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup law enforcement race. Vargas received emergency medical care but he died from his injuries. The sheriff’s department did not immediately disclose the cause of Vargas’s death. Vargas is survived by his wife, parents, siblings and extended family.