How workers died last week: Four security guards killed, grain bin suffocation, falls, shootings, machinery, stabbings, vehicular incidents, industrial incidents. 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.
Construction worker falls to death from Publix rooftop in SW Miami-Dade
SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FL — A construction accident ends in tragedy when a worker falls to his death from the roof of a Publix. According to Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a medical call alongside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in the area of the 8200 block of Mills Drive in Southwest Miami-Dade, Monday morning. First responders found an unresponsive man at a nearby construction site upon arrival. That man was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced as deceased. Authorities are investigating the fall and working to learn what led up to the fatal incident.
Construction worker fatally hit by SUV near Waynesville
PULASKI COUNTY, MO — A construction worker has died after being struck by a vehicle near Waynesville on Monday afternoon. At approximately 2:20 p.m., the construction worker, a 35-year-old man from Warrensburg, Missouri, was directing traffic on Spruce Road, one mile west of State Highway H. According to the crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the 88-year-old driver of an eastbound 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV failed to see the construction worker directing traffic and struck him. The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The driver of the SUV was not injured. This is the 8th fatality in MSHP Troop I in 2026.
Community Services League employee killed cleaning up trash along U.S. 50 in Jackson County
JACKSON COUNTY, MO — An employee with the Community Services League (CSL) was struck and killed by a pickup truck while working on a roadside litter crew Monday morning, according to the organization. It happened along U.S. 50 near Smart Road in Lee’s Summit. The organization says it is pausing in grief as it mourns the loss of someone who embodied that service. The organization says the employee’s colleagues and staff pause in grief as they mourn the loss of someone who embodied that service. In a statement, CSL says for over 100 years it has served its community with care, compassion, and commitment. Out of respect for the victim’s family, the organization is not releasing more information.
Woodland Park crossing guard, 80, struck and killed while helping kids cross the street
WOODLAND PARK, NJ — A Woodland Park crossing guard was struck and killed by a vehicle on Monday afternoon after helping two students cross the street. It happened at McBride and Lackawanna avenues just after 3:30 p.m. Witnesses say 80-year-old Jean Schultz pushed the students out of the way from an oncoming vehicle to save their lives. She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. “She literally put herself in harm’s way to protect the kids,” said resident Marino Florio. Schultz worked at the school district for years and served with care, dedication and kindness.
Delta worker dies at Orlando International Airport, officials say
ORLANDO, FL – An investigation is underway after a Delta Air Lines staff member died while on the job at Orlando International Airport, officials said. Delta Airlines said the incident happened Thursday evening and is working with local authorities as a full investigation gets underway. OSHA said it has opened an investigation into the incident but noted the agency has six months to complete its probe and is unable to share additional information in the meantime. The staff member has been identified as Daniel Maldonado, 49, according to reports. Maldonado was killed when an aircraft tug vehicle collided with a jet bridge.
Man Dies After Grain Bin Incident at Feed Facility
Clever, MO — A man died on Thursday after becoming trapped inside a grain bin at a feed and pet business in Clever, according to local authorities. Clever Police Chief Randall Blackburn said the incident occurred at Gordon’s Feed and Pet while workers were preparing an auger that had become clogged. Officials said the man entered the grain bin to unclog the equipment, but began sinking into the grain. Emergency crews responded to the scene and worked to remove him from the bin. Despite rescue efforts, the man, 59-year-old Ronnie Smith, passed away. The Clever Fire Protection District said crews were dispatched around 12:31 p.m. Multiple agencies assisted with the response, including neighboring fire departments, EMS personnel, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, and emergency services teams from across the region. Fire officials noted that grain bin rescues require highly specialized techniques and extensive coordination among emergency responders due to the dangerous conditions involved.
Contractor killed in fall at Reading IMAX theater identified by coroner
READING, PA — Outside the R/C Reading Movies 11 and IMAX on North 2nd Street, flashing lights filled the block Wednesday morning. Police, firefighters and EMS crews rushed to the scene just after 11:30 a.m. “Units were dispatched to 30 North Second Street for a report of an individual that had fallen approximately 50 feet from the ceiling,” said Chief Robert Leonard II with the Reading Fire Department. Firefighters say they found an unconscious man, later identified as 71-year-old Robert R. Franklin of Celebration, Florida, who succumbed from his injuries following a brutal fall after his harness malfunctioned, disabling it from catching him when he slipped and died.
Portland group home employee killed, resident arrested, police say
PORTLAND, ME — An employee of a Portland group home for those living with mental illness was killed Monday and a resident has been arrested, according to police. Police were called to Shalom House on Woodford Street at around 10 a.m., according to police spokesperson Brad Nadeau. Marlene McNeill, 40, of Gorham was found suffering life-threatening injuries after being stabbed, according to police. She was transported to Maine Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased. A suspect, Armando Javier Negrete, 40, a Shalom House resident, was found at the property shortly after 10 a.m. and taken into custody without incident, police said. Negrete was arrested, charged with murder and taken to Cumberland County Jail.
Worker Killed After Falling from Forklift at Industrial Warehouse
MODESTO, CA — A worker died on Thursday afternoon after falling from a forklift and becoming trapped beneath it at an industrial warehouse in Stanislaus County. The incident was reported at 4:43 p.m. on May 7, in the 600 block of Mariposa Road, north of Finch Road. When emergency units arrived, they found one person pinned under a 15-ton forklift. The victim was declared dead at the scene. A rescue team was called in to lift the forklift and recover the body. The operation took approximately 45 minutes to complete. The identity of the deceased has not been released. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Carthage workplace accident claims life of 33-year-old man
CARTHAGE, MO — A 33-year-old Carthage man died Monday morning after sustaining severe injuries in a workplace incident involving a forklift at a local manufacturing facility. Jasper County deputies and emergency medical services responded around 7:30 a.m. to PALTECH Enterprises, located at 11235 State Highway 96 in Carthage, following reports of a workplace accident involving a male employee. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the victim had been injured by a forklift during the incident. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the man on the ground with severe injuries and immediately began lifesaving efforts until fire department personnel and EMS crews arrived to take over medical care. Despite the emergency response efforts, 33-year-old Roberto Gomez succumbed to his injuries at approximately 8:15 a.m., less than an hour after the initial emergency call. Jasper County Coroner James Harrison confirms to KOAM he was requested to respond about 8:15 a.m. He says they have scheduled an autopsy for tomorrow at Southwest Forensics in Ozark, Mo. Authorities are still investigating.
Victim killed in workplace accident at Audubon Metals identified
HENDERSON, KY — Henderson County Coroner’s Office officials have identified the victim who died in a workplace incident. According to Coroner’s Office officials, the victim has been identified as Stephanie Lee Main of Dixon, Kentucky. As we’ve previously reported, Coroner’s Office officials were called to Audubon Metals around 4 p.m. on Thursday after she died. Officials say she was hit by a piece of equipment and died of blunt force trauma. An autopsy is scheduled to take place in Louisville on Saturday. Audubon Metals shared this statement with us Friday afternoon: “The Audubon Metals leadership team confirms the passing of an associate following a workplace incident on Thursday afternoon, May 7, at our facility in Henderson, Ky. We are heartbroken by this tragic event and extend our deepest condolences to the associate’s family, friends and colleagues. Out of respect for the family, we are not sharing the associate’s identity. We have made grief counseling available to our team. The Occupations Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Mass. State Police trooper killed in wrong-way Lynnfield crash identified
LYNNFIELD, MA — The identity of a Massachusetts State Police trooper killed by a wrong-way driver in Lynnfield on Wednesday morning has been released. Trooper Kevin Trainor, 30, was named by Colonel Geoffrey Noble during a press conference at the State Police Danvers Barracks on Wednesday morning. Noble was joined by Governor Maura Healey, Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker and State Police Association of Massachusetts President Brian Williams. The crash that killed Trainor happened on Route 1 in Lynnfield at about 2 a.m., according to state police. A driver was traveling south in the northbound lanes and struck a State Police cruiser, according to a department spokesperson. The driver of the wrong-way vehicle was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Texas truck driver, wife killed in tractor-trailer crash on I-59 in Alabama
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL — Two people were killed in a tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 59 in Tuscaloosa County. Alabama State Troopers identified the victims as Jerry C. Ketterer, 71, and Marci A. Ketter, 68. Both victims lived in Del Rio, Texas. The crash happened at 1:50 p.m. Tuesday on I-59 about three miles north of Fosters. Trooper Sgt. Reginal King said Jerry Ketterer was driving a 2019 Kenworth tractor-trailer that left the road and hit a tree. Both victims were pronounced dead on the scene. The crash remains under investigation by troopers.
Wunder Garten says security worker was killed while protecting customers, staff
WASHINGTON DC — Police say a man is dead after a stabbing when an argument turned violent over the weekend in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood. A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. DC Police said the stabbing happened just before 1 a.m. on Saturday in the 1100 block of First Street Northeast. When officers got there, they found a man inside a business who had been stabbed multiple times. Police say the man was conscious and breathing when he was taken to the hospital, but later died at the hospital. The man was identified as 45-year-old Marvin Urquhart of Northwest D.C. Responding officers arrested Cadoza Simms at the business. Detectives believe Simms got into an argument and stabbed Urquhart when he was not allowed inside. Urquhart worked as part of the security team at Wunder Garten, a Northeast DC beer garden.
Courthouse security guard killed in Milwaukee shooting
MILWAUKEE, WI — A Milwaukee County Courthouse security guard was shot and killed early Friday night near Teutonia and Chambers, according to family and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. According to Milwaukee police, the shooting happened just after 5 p.m. Police said the shooter fired several shots into a vehicle, killing a 56-year-old. Loved ones identified the shooting victim to WISN 12 News as Dennis Johnson.
Security guard killed at Deep Ellum club
DALLAS, TX — Around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, as officers were processing the first crime scene, witnesses alerted them to a second shooting nearby at the La Tardeada Club in the 2800 block of Elm Street. Officers found a security guard suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Police transported him to a nearby hospital in a private vehicle, where he later died. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, 23-year-old Detorius Tarver was involved in a physical disturbance inside the club and the guard, 26-year-old Joseph Gray, tried to break up the fight. Investigators believe Tarver pulled out a handgun and shot Gray at point-blank range. Other guards tackled Tarver after the shooting and handcuffed him until police arrived. Police recovered the handgun on Tarver. He confessed to the shooting during questioning, according to the affidavit. Tarver is now charged with murder.
Fort Worth community plans protest after security guard killed in shooting
FORT WORTH, TX — Fort Worth Police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened in the southeast area of the city early Sunday morning. Officers were called to the 4500 block of Miller Avenue for a report of a shooting around 5:45 a.m. The investigation shows a security guard working after hours went across the street to another business and started talking to a person. There was a confrontation, police say. The person shot the security guard and the guard died at the scene. The guard has been identified as Dominique Coleman, an employee of Club New Start. The suspect also shot an adult female, police say. That woman was taken to the hospital for treatment and is expected to survive. The suspect quickly left the scene.
Semi-Truck Driver Killed in Crash That Shuts Down US-75
ANNA, TX — A semi-truck crash on U.S. 75 in Anna turned fatal on Wednesday, May 6, killing the driver of the truck and forcing the closure of the highway in both directions. Emergency units responded to the scene, where the semi-truck and trailer had come to rest across the roadway. The driver of the semi was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim is being withheld until family members can be notified. The cause of the crash had not been determined at the time of this writing. Still, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Semi-truck driver killed in fatal I-70 crash near De Beque, westbound roadway shut down
DE BEQUE, CO — A semi-truck crashed early Sunday morning on I-70, causing the closure of the westbound roadway near mile marker 65, where the driver of the semi-truck was later confirmed to be killed in the crash. The De Beque Fire Protection District said officials were dispatched to the incident at 6:05 a.m. The Colorado State Patrol, Grand Valley Fire Protection District and the Garfield Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene. The department also asked drivers not to slow down to unsafe speeds or stop in the area, as traffic needs to continue moving safely through the diversions in order to prevent additional crashes caused by inattentive drivers.
Worker killed in accident at BAE Systems shipyard in Jacksonville, company says
JACKSONVILLE, FL — BAE Systems confirmed with Action News Jax that on Saturday, an employee was killed in an accident while performing maintenance on heavy machinery at its Jacksonville facility. The BAE Systems shipyard is located on Hecksher Drive. A company spokesperson says that the employee was conducting maintenance on a self-propelled modular transporter when they were involved in a fatal accident.
OSHA investigates death at UPS facility in East Petersburg
LANCASTER, PA –The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has confirmed it is investigating the death of a man at a UPS facility in East Petersburg, Lancaster County. According to the East Hempfield Township Police Department, the man possibly suffered a medical event, fell, and died. The coroner’s office will determine the official cause and manner of death. In a statement, OSHA said it has six months to complete its investigation.
Lake Valley Fire Engineer dies after medical emergency suffered on the job
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA — The Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) shared tragic news on Monday – Fire Engineer Neil Schnaible succumbed to injuries incurred during a “line of duty” medical emergency on April 29, 2026. “Engineer Schnaible served the Lake Valley Fire Protection District and the community of South Lake Tahoe with honor, distinction, and unwavering dedication. He exemplified the highest ideals of the fire service – courage, professionalism, and a selfless commitment to protecting lives and property. His service to this District and to this community will never be forgotten,” said LVFPD Chief John McNamara. The Chief asked that people keep Engineer Schnaible’s family, friends, and fellow Lake Valley Firefighters in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His organs will be donated, continuing to save lives after his death.
1 dead after stabbing in dispute between third-party contractors at Busch Stadium, police say
ST. LOUIS, MO — One man died Monday after a stabbing at Busch Stadium following what police said was a personal dispute between two third-party contractors. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said 27-year-old Arrin Jones, of Riverview, was found with a stab wound at Busch Stadium about 2:45 a.m. First Alert 4 crews on scene said all emergency vehicles were at the loading dock area. The department said it detained a 65-year-old man as a person of interest. Mitch McCoy, the department’s director of public affairs and information, said during a news conference that the dispute involved a cleaning crew and that the incident was isolated. “I just want to reiterate that it was a dispute between two third-party contractors,” McCoy said. “These were not employees of the baseball team.” “This could have happened anywhere. But what happened tonight was a dispute between two people. And you know what? At any workplace, there’s a fight or there’s some type of disagreement between employees. Rarely does that escalate into a stabbing, but it does happen. Unfortunately, it happened at a treasured St. Louis staple.”
Delivery truck driver killed in head-on crash in Leeds
LEEDS, AL — A delivery truck driver was killed in a head-on crash in Leeds. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim Friday as Davonte Trashod Wilson. He was 31 and lived in Jemison. The wreck happened at 1 p.m. Thursday on Thornton Avenue N.E. at Dorrough Street. Wilson, a driver for Cintas, was involved in a head-on collision with another commercial vehicle. Additional details have not been released. Wilson was pronounced dead on the scene at 1:24 p.m. The Leeds Police Department is investigating.
Employee found dead in kitchen of southwest Houston business with blunt force injuries, HPD says
HOUSTON, TX — Homicide detectives are investigating after a man was found dead in the kitchen of the southwest Houston business where he worked, according to the Houston Police Department. According to HPD, the victim’s coworker had not heard from him on Friday morning and went to the business in the 10500 block of Bellaire Boulevard. HPD said the coworker found the victim dead in the kitchen area and called police. Video shot at the scene showed detectives coming and going from Tropical Tea as the investigation unfolded. Investigators said that while the details were unclear, detectives confirmed that the death occurred sometime overnight, and that the man had blunt force injuries. Detectives said that the front door to the business was locked, which was unusual because the business was supposed to be open. They added that the back door was found unlocked and the victim’s vehicle appeared to be missing. HPD did not release a suspect description but said two men visited the business overnight.
Box Truck Driver Killed in Early-Morning Crash on Whetstone Rd
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SC — A box truck driver died after a collision between a tractor-trailer and a box truck on Whetstone Rd near North Rd in Orangeburg County in the early morning hours of Friday, May 8, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles. A 2016 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling north on Whetstone Rd when it struck a 2023 Mercedes-Benz box truck that was backing up eastbound at the intersection. The impact sent both drivers to the hospital. The driver of the box truck later died from injuries sustained in the crash. The condition of the tractor-trailer driver has not been released. The victim of the incident was later revealed to be 51-year-old Freddeerico Alexander.
Dump truck driver killed in Limestone County crash
LIMESTONE COUNTY, AL — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports that a dump truck driver was killed when he went off the road in Limestone County Friday afternoon. Troopers say the Peterbilt dump truck left the roadway and struck a culvert bridge. It happened at about 4:15 p.m. Friday on New Cut Road near Lydia Corey Road, approximately three miles east of Athens. The driver died at Huntsville Hospital. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency ident6fied him as Rodell K. Burton, 46, of Athens. The wreck remains under investigation.
Employee shot, killed at Seattle business, police hunt for suspects
SEATTLE, WA — Seattle police detectives are investigating a homicide after an employee was found shot to death Saturday morning inside a business just south of the Northgate neighborhood. Officers with the Seattle Police Department were called to a business in the 8500 block of Lake City Way Northeast just before 9 a.m. Monday following a report of a man killed. Inside, they say they found a man in his 20s who worked at the location suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. The Seattle Fire Department pronounced the man dead at the scene. Homicide units blocked off the area to process evidence, and the medical examiner will later determine the official cause of death. Homicide detectives took a 20-year-old man into custody on Monday in the death of Quusaa Margarsa, known to many as “Q.”
George Mauricio Killed in Palm Desert Cement Truck Accident
PALM DESERT, CA — A 62-year-old truck driver identified as George Mauricio has tragically died in a Thousand Palms semi-truck incident on Interstate 10. The California Highway Patrol is saying that the accident took place around 7:50 AM on Tuesday. George Mauricio was driving a cement truck on the westbound lanes of the interstate when he was hit by a semi truck that crashed through the center median. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the crash to help all of the victims. Despite life-saving measures, George Mauricio was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. A full investigation by the California Highway Patrol remains ongoing at this time.
Texas truck driver killed in DeSoto Parish crash
MANSFIELD, LA — A Texas man died Sunday morning in a crash north of Mansfield, according to Louisiana State Police. Troopers responded around 6 a.m. to a crash on state Highway 175 near Highway 5. Authorities said Delon Perkins, 35, of Tyler, Texas was driving a 2020 Kenworth tractor-trailer south on Highway 175, ran off the roadway and overturned. Perkins suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.
Amazon employee dies at Northeast Ohio fulfillment center
EUCLID, OH — An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that an Amazon employee died at the fulfillment center at 1155 Babbitt Road on Sunday. According to a Euclid Police report, at around 6:50 p.m., officers responded to the Amazon warehouse to assist Euclid Fire with a medical emergency. Police said the victim was unresponsive as first responders provided aid. The victim was then taken to Euclid Hospital. According to the report, the employee told others he was not feeling well and later passed out at his workstation. Amazon staff then called 911. Employees were sent home with pay for the shift, according to the spokesperson.