How workers died last week: Eleven die in paper mill explosion, six die in separate highway work zone incidents, electrocution, forklifts, highway construction zone, tree care, construction equipment, electrocution, drowning, helicopter crash, shootings and vehicular collisions. 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.
Names released of all 11 workers killed in Longview paper mill chemical spill
PORTLAND, OR — Officials said on Saturday afternoon that they have found the remains and identified all nine missing workers after the deadly Longview chemical spill, bringing the death toll to 11. Later, on Saturday evening, the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office released the full written list of the workers who died:
– 52-year-old Gilbert Bernal of Kelso
– 29-year-old Tyler Covington of Castle Rock
– 27-year-old Brad Covington of Castle Rock
– 48-year-old Robert Wilson of Clatskanie OR
– 54-year-old Dale Miller of Portland
– 35-year-old Jared Ammons of Longview
– 38-year-old Braydon Finkas of Cathlamet
– 26-year-old Clinton Doran of Kelso
– 51-year-old John Forsberg of Longview
– 58-year-old Norman Barlow of Vancouver
– Dillon Miller
The chemical that spilled, “white liquor,” is used to break down wood into paper and is extremely corrosive. Roughly 600,000 gallons of the substance rushed through work areas at the plant on Tuesday when the tank ruptured. More on the victims here.
Man dies after being run over by equipment in industrial accident at asphalt plant on New Berlin Road: JSO
JACKSONVILLE, FL — A contract dump truck driver was killed Tuesday morning after being run over by a front-end loader at an asphalt facility on Jacksonville’s Northside, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Officers responded around 11 a.m. to the Preferred Materials Inc. asphalt plant on New Berlin Road after reports of a traffic incident. Upon arrival, they found an adult male who appeared to have been run over by a piece of heavy equipment. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene and pronounced the man dead. JSO says the victim was approximately 60 years old. He was not an employee of the facility but was there as a contract dump truck driver making an asphalt pickup.
Worker dies at Fort Miller Co. plant in Washington County
EASTON, NY — A worker died after a morning accident at The Fort Miller Co. plant in Easton, according to investigators. The release said the fatal incident happened at about 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, while an employee was working on production equipment at the facility’s concrete batch plant. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the employee became trapped in a piece of production equipment and had to be extricated. The employee was pronounced dead at the scene. The company said emergency response protocols were started right away. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified and an investigation is underway into what happened. The employee’s name is not being released until all next of kin are notified.
Victim identified after deadly forklift incident in Savannah
SAVANNAH, GA — The Savannah Police Department responded Tuesday afternoon after one person died stemming from what they’re calling a “workplace accident.” SPD says the incident happened on the 2600 block of Seaboard Coastline Drive. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, will be the lead agency in the investigation. WJCL 22 News reached out to the manufacturing company for comment. They declined, adding that OSHA asked them not to make any statements as the investigation is underway. Chatham Emergency Services CEO Chuck Kearns confirmed the patient was pinned under a forklift. WJCL 22 News has confirmed that the victim was Dylan Mock, 23. His brother Chad Mock said Dylan worked at the site for a few years and is a graduate of Effingham County High School. “We are currently waiting for the results of the investigation,” Chad Mock said. “We are currently waiting for those details.”
Forklift Crushes, Kills Parsippany Worker, Police Say
PARSIPPANY, NJ — A Parsippany worker is dead following a forklift accident on Memorial Day, according to police. On Monday, around 4:15 p.m., police were called to a business located on Edwards Road on a report that someone had been crushed under a forklift. Authorities discovered a 48-year-old man was pinned beneath the forklift. Police used a nearby floor jack to lift the machinery and free the man, but he had already succumbed to his injuries, officials said. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that the incident is not currently suspected to be criminal in nature. The Parsippany Focus identified the victim as Ufuk Yasan. This incident comes weeks after a Parsippany garbage man was crushed by a car while on his sanitation route.
Authorities identify 2 MDOT workers killed on US-127
ALAIEDON TWP, MI — The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office has released new information about the two Michigan Department of Transportation workers who were killed after being hit by an SUV on northbound US-127 on Tuesday. The crash happened on US-127 near Holt Road just after 1:15 p.m. on May 26, leaving the northbound lanes of the freeway closed at Cedar Street. The freeway reopened just before 6:30 p.m. The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office said a 24-year-old DeWitt man lost control of his vehicle and hit two MDOT workers. The workers, ages 49 and 51 and both from Mason, died at the scene. Authorities have identified the victims as 51-year-old Bruce Wagner and 49-year-old Steve Spenle. The DeWitt man was taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities have not released his name, and no update on his condition was given Wednesday. The Michigan State Employees Association said Tuesday afternoon two workers were hit and killed, while a third worker was treated and released at the scene. The sheriff’s office has not said whether a third worker was injured.
Loved ones, coworkers mourn man killed in I-74 construction zone tragedy
CHAMPAIGN, IL — Friends and coworkers are remembering and mourning the construction worker and former Tilton Police Chief who was killed in a crash on I-74 in Champaign overnight on Wednesday. “What if it was your kid? What if it was your dad? What if it was your brother? What if it was your husband?” Michael Bien asked. Following Wednesday’s tragedy, Bien believes everyone should think about their surroundings when driving through a construction zone, especially after 65-year-old Steven A. Cornett of Danville was hit and killed. The crash happened by the I-74/I-57 interchange near Champaign around 3:30 a.m. Illinois State Police said that a pickup truck pulling a trailer hit Cornett. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials ID worker killed while fixing potholes on Tri-State Tollway; 2 others also struck
DES PLAINES, IL — Three tollway workers were struck, one fatally, on Interstate 294 in north suburban Des Plaines on Saturday morning, Illinois State Police said. ISP said troopers responded to the crash on southbound I-294 near Devon Avenue just before 4:30 a.m. The maintenance workers were fixing potholes there when a driver struck them. All three workers were taken to local hospitals, where one of them died, ISP said. The medical examiner later identified the man killed as 52-year-old Calvin L. Holley, of Chicago.
Road worker dies weeks after being hit on jobsite
AIKEN COUNTY, SC — A 63-year-old road worker has died nearly two weeks after being hit by a vehicle in Warrenville, according to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office. Kenneth Overby of North Augusta died Thursday at Wellstar MCG Health. Authorities say Overby was working in a road repaving zone on Augusta Road at Main Street around 9:12 a.m. on May 16 when he was hit by a vehicle. He was taken to the hospital by Aiken County EMS and later died from his injuries.
ALDOT Employee Killed in Bullock County Work Zone Crash
BULLOCK COUNTY, AL — An Alabama Department of Transportation employee was killed Thursday while working in an active work zone in Bullock County, according to ALDOT officials. ALDOT identified the employee as 48-year-old Amad R. Jackson, who served as a crew leader with the department. Officials said Jackson had worked for ALDOT for 24 years. According to ALDOT, Jackson was performing routine maintenance in the work zone when he was fatally struck.
Man dies after contact with live wire while trimming trees in Lake County, Illinois
LAKE COUNTY, IL — A man from Chicago’s far north suburbs died this weekend after an encounter with a live while he was trimming trees. At 4 p.m. Saturday, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies and the Wauconda Fire District were called to Bonner Road and Jackson Avenue in unincorporated Wauconda for a report of downed power lines and an unresponsive person. It turned out that a 67-year-old man from unincorporated Wauconda was up on a ladder trimming trees near overhead power lines when a branch came in contact with the live wire and electrocuted the man, officials said. When first responders came to the scene, the power lines were still arcing in the trees. Power had to be cut off before crews could access the victim, who was still about 15 feet above the ground, officials said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County sheriff’s and coroner’s offices were investigating Monday.
JSO searching for shooter after tow truck driver killed while repossessing vehicle
JACKSONVILLE, FL — A tow truck driver was shot and killed late Tuesday night on the Eastside while attempting to repossess a vehicle, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The shooter is still on the run, police said. JSO said officers responded around 10 p.m. to a reported shooting at the Sanctuary Walk apartment complex on East 21st Street, a few blocks east of Phoenix Avenue. Investigators said the tow truck driver went to the complex to repossess a vehicle, and an argument started with the vehicle’s owner. JSO said a man then came outside and fired multiple shots, hitting the tow truck driver. The driver was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries. The shooter fled the scene and has not been arrested. The tow truck driver was identified to be Oliver Lopez.
Virginia American Water worker dies after falling into Dale City service pond
DALE CITY, VA — A 35-year-old Virginia American Water employee died May 22 after falling off a boat in a service pond at the company’s facility in Dale City. The worker, who was not publicly identified, fell from a boat on May 19 around 11 a.m. while in a pond in the 14400 block of Delaney Road, Prince William County police Lt. Jonathan Perok said in a news release. He was taken to an area hospital and died three days later. Perok said no foul play is suspected and detectives believe the incident to be an accident.
Worker dies in large machinery incident in New Haven: Officials
NEW HAVEN, CT — A worker has died after being pulled into a conveyor belt of a large machine, according to the New Haven Police Department and New Haven Fire Department. The fire department responded to 158 Middletown Ave. around 1 p.m. for a report of an industrial accident, according to New Haven Fire Chief Dan Coughlin. Arriving crews had found that a 23-year-old man was pulled into a conveyor belt. He was pronounced dead on scene, Coughlin said. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and New Haven police are investigating.
Georgia lineman killed in accident on the job
ALBANY, GA — The Albany community is mourning the loss of a young lineman who was killed on the job. City leaders say apprentice lineman Caiden Gibson, 20, died in an accident on the job on Wednesday. Gibson began working for the city’s Utility Operations Department in Sept. 2024.
Worker fatally struck by fellow contractor in Brooklyn hit-and-run: police
BROOKLYN, NY — A construction worker was killed after a fellow contractor backed an Econoline van into him at a worksite in Brooklyn and then sped away, only to be identified by witnesses and arrested later that day, cops said Thursday. The victim, 37, was clearing construction debris from the roadway on Parrott Place in Bay Ridge when the driver of a 2012 Ford Econoline van reversed into him near 90th St. around 7:48 p.m. on Monday, according to law enforcement. The worker was briefly pinned between the van and construction debris before the driver pulled away and the injured worker fell to the street. The van driver then sped off heading south on Parrott Place, striking a parked Toyota Camry before fleeing the scene, cops said.
Man killed in tree-cutting incident in Monroe County
MONROE TWP., MI — A man was killed Saturday during a tree-cutting incident in Monroe Township, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said it happened at a home in the area of Timber Lane near South Dixie Highway just after 7 p.m. Officials said three men from the Dayton area were hired to cut the tree. They were cutting the final section of the tree when it fell and hit a 50-year-old man from Springfield, Ohio, in the head, deputies said. He did not survive. The man’s name has not been released. The incident remains under investigation.
Vacaville man killed in Dixon garbage truck accident
SOLANO COUNTY, CA — A man was killed in Dixon on Friday morning when he was pinned between a garbage truck and a wall. Officers and firefighters were called to the site of a vehicle accident involving an industrial truck just before 9 a.m. on the 100 block of Gateway Drive, the Dixon Police Department said. Kristopher Payaslian, a 50-year-old from Vacaville, died at the scene. He was trapped between an industrial garbage truck and a cinderblock wall, police said. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) also responded and is conducting a separate investigation, Dixon police said in a news release.
Transport truck driver killed in collision on Highway 403 in Brant County
BRANT COUNTY, CA — A 30-year-old driver was killed in a collision involving two transport trucks and a pickup truck on Highway 403 West in Brant County on Monday afternoon. Emergency crews including Brant OPP, fire and rescue and paramedic services responded to the collision near Rest Acres Road in the Paris area at about 5 p.m. A St. Thomas resident who was driving one of the transport trucks, died at the scene, said police. The other transport driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment. The pickup driver was not injured.
N.M. deputy killed in crash with another deputy during search for suspect
TAOS COUNTY, NM — A Taos County Sheriff’s Office sergeant was killed after crashing into another deputy’s vehicle as authorities searched for a reckless driver along N.M. 518 late Friday. New Mexico State Police said Sgt. Joseph Apodaca, who joined TCSO in 2018, was on his department-issued motorcycle when he T-boned another deputy who had turned into a dirt driveway. Sgt. Ricardo Breceda, a State Police spokesperson, said Apodaca was pronounced dead around 11:45 p.m. The identity of the other deputy involved in the crash was not released.
“Check your surveillance.” Manhunt continues for suspect in death of Sheriff’s deputy
CARROLL COUNTY, VA — The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for the suspect in the shooting of two deputies, one of whom died. Deputy Logan Utt was a military veteran who joined the department in 2023. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting along Fancy Gap Highway.
Loved ones remember Valley truck driver killed in Texas crash as hero
FRESNO, CA — A Central Valley family is mourning the loss of a truck driver who was killed in a fiery crash in Texas while returning home to California. Relatives of Byran Dixon said he was driving back to California when a tire on his truck blew out. Dixon applied the brakes, which then caught fire. He managed to steer the truck across the highway to avoid other vehicles, but it struck an overpass and burst into flames. Dixon’s family believes his actions helped prevent injuries or deaths. Family members described Dixon as devoted, loyal and loving, with a passion for driving big rigs and motorcycles. They are now raising funds to bring Dixon back home.
19-year-old Children’s of Alabama employee dies after medical emergency at work
BIRMINGHAM, AL — A Center Point 19-year-old died Tuesday after she was found unresponsive while working at Children’s of Alabama. Jakoya Morgan was found in her work area at Children’s just after 4 a.m. May 26, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. She was taken to UAB Hospital, where she was pronounced dead less than an hour later. An autopsy found no evidence of trauma or foul play, revealing an “acute and significant medical event” that can be associated with a chronic condition Morgan had previously been diagnosed with.
Menomonee Falls man crushed by boat in workplace accident
MILWAUKEE, WI — A workplace accident at CenterPointe Marine in Milwaukee on Thursday afternoon resulted in the death of 24-year-old Cody Stelzel of Menomonee Falls, who was crushed by a boat while moving it on land. Milwaukee police were called to the scene after reports of the incident. Stelzel’s brother, Logan Reinke, said he was contacted by a co-worker with the tragic news. Stelzel’s parents said they want a thorough investigation into the accident. They said they received basic information from police, but still want to understand how the accident occurred. OSHA confirmed it is investigating the incident, but the agency said it could take up to six months to issue a report.
Helicopter crash kills 2 after Georgia wedding
ATLANTA, GA — A tragedy struck after a wedding filled with joy on Friday night for a tight-knit family. Hours after tying the knot in Dawsonville, on Friday night, a helicopter flying the newlyweds from the venue crashed. The husband and pilot were both killed. The wife was the lone survivor. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed around 10:30 p.m. near Dawsonville. Three people were aboard the aircraft. The passenger, a new husband, was identified by family as Dave Fiji. He was a pilot for Endeavor Air. His wife, Jesni survived. Nikhil Nargundkar was identified as the pilot of this particular helicopter. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, along with fire and EMS crews, initially responded to the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has since taken the lead in the investigation of the crash. Around 400 guests attended the wedding at The Revere in Dawsonville. Dave and Jesni boarded the helicopter that was bound for DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. Family members said the flight was intended as a special sendoff before the newlyweds spent the night at a downtown Atlanta hotel. Family members expressed concerns about the weather before takeoff with rain moving through the area and very little visibility. The cause of the crash has not been released.
Central Berks police officer Kristen Yeager killed in crash in Earl Township, Pennsylvania
EARL TOWNSHIP, PA — A Berks County, Pennsylvania, police officer was killed in a single-vehicle crash Friday night, according to police. Officer Kristen Yeager of the Central Berks Regional Police Department was en route to a call in her patrol vehicle when she crashed near the intersection of Manatawny Road and Shoemaker Road in Earl Township. Yeager was rushed to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.
Tow truck driver allegedly murdered manager for telling him to go out on another call
SPRINGDALE TOWNSHIP, PA — A tow truck driver allegedly murdered his boss after he told him to go out on another call toward the end of his shift. According to a criminal complaint obtained by CBS Pittsburgh, 32-year-old tow truck driver Niko Hostler became angry with his manager, Chris Ashbaugh, after he sent him on another call when his shift was nearly over. Hostler, who wanted to go home, started arguing with Ashbaugh, the complaint said. The altercation eventually became physical. “I heard them talking, so I thought they resolved it, then I heard them again, arguing and yelling,” said Amanda Mattern, a neighbor who lived near the tow truck business. “Then I heard ‘pop pop pop pop’ like five times.” Investigators reviewed surveillance camera video that showed Ashbaugh punch Hostler in the face twice before Hostler took out a gun and shot Ashbaugh multiple times. Hostler allegedly told police he was afraid for his life and didn’t know if Ashbaugh had a weapon.
Kenton man killed in single-vehicle crash in Hancock County
HANCOCK COUNTY, OH — A Kenton man was killed when his vehicle veered off the side of the road in Allen Township, according to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. In a press release, HCSO said that 36-year-old Michael Davis was traveling westbound in a semi truck on SR 613 near TR 231 around 5:50 p.m. on Friday when he traveled into the eastbound lane and veered off the right side of the roadway. The sheriff’s office said Davis’ vehicle then overturned before coming to a rest. HCSO said that Davis was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District mourns loss of firefighter/paramedic John Morgan
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, IL — The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department mourns the loss of firefighter/paramedic John Morgan. The department says Morgan dedicated his life to others, answering the call for help whenever and wherever was needed. “This is a devastating loss for our department, our community, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing John,” said Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief John Bergeron in a statement Monday. “He was more than a firefighter and paramedic—he was a trusted colleague, a dedicated public servant, a mentor, and a friend. His commitment to our mission and his care for others will never be forgotten.”
Roseville family mourns truck driver killed during Pennsylvania trip
DAUPHIN COUNTY, PA — Police in Pennsylvania say a Roseville truck driver was killed during a work trip, and another Roseville man is now facing homicide charges in the case. The family of Alexsandr Hurianov is mourning the loss of the father of two and grandfather after investigators said his body was found along a Dauphin County roadway Saturday. Family members spoke with ABC10 at their Roseville home but asked not to show their faces because of the grief they are experiencing. “It’s such a shame that it all happened, this tragedy,” family friend Lidai said as she translated for Natalia. Hurianov’s wife, Natalia, became emotional while speaking about her husband’s birthday. “Today’s his birthday,” she said through tears. “He would have been 54 today.”