How workers died last week: trench collapse, grain bin, heat(?), tree care, electrocutions, lightning, flooding, industrial incidents, grain bin incident, falls, suicide, 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.
Two Delta Junction residents killed in trench collapse during septic work
DELTA JUNCTION, AK — Two Delta Junction residents are dead after a trench collapse Thursday afternoon while installing a septic system. Alaska State Troopers say they received a report of two people buried during a septic system installation. Troopers responded and determined 68-year-old Paul Hebert and 71-year-old Jacquelyn Wilder, both of Delta Junction, were inside an approximately 13-foot-deep trench when the walls collapsed. Officials say both individuals were buried in the collapse.
LNG worker dies after accident in Cameron Parish
CAMERON PARISH, LA — A contractor died after an accident at an LNG facility in Cameron Parish Thursday. The man was hurt in an accident at Sabine Pass LNG, Cheniere representatives told KBMT. He was taken to a hospital in Beaumont, where he later died. The contractor worked for the Zachry Group. The worker’s identity has not been released. Cheniere said an investigation will be conducted into the accident.
Worker killed in Whitewater lightning strike identified
WHITEWATER, WI — A tree-trimming worker who died after a suspected lightning strike while working in Whitewater on July 27 has been identified as 31-year-old Rodrigo Barrera Arreola of West Virginia, according to a news release from the Whitewater Fire Department. The department said it initially identified the victim as 29 years old based on information received at the scene. At about 10 a.m. July 27, emergency crews responded to the 400 block of South Elizabeth Street for a report of an electrocution injury involving a worker suspended in a tree in a back lot off West Laurel Street. When first responders arrived, they found Arreola suspended about 60 feet in the tree. He was an employee of The Davey Tree Expert Company performing subcontract work for We Energies. The crew’s supervisor reported hearing “a loud bang and a flash” and believed the tree had been struck by lightning.
Spectrum lineman killed by accidental electrocution in Port Sheldon Twp., sheriff’s office says
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — A Spectrum lineman died after he was electrocuted while working in Port Sheldon Township last week. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), around 2:35 p.m. on July 24, deputies responded to the 6900 block of Holly Drive after they received a 911 call from Spectrum that a lineman was unresponsive. When officials arrived, they found a 53-year-old Grand Haven Township man dead in the extended bucket of a boom truck. Investigators said the man had been working on lines in the area. After an autopsy was performed, the man’s death was ruled an accidental electrocution.
Tree service worker dies after contact with power line in Lexington, officials say
LEXINGTON, NC — A worker with a private tree service died Wednesday after making contact with an energized power line while operating an aerial lift in the 300 block of Spring Drive, according to the City of Lexington. The Lexington Fire Department was dispatched at 10:28 a.m. and arrived on scene five minutes later. Davidson County EMS and the Lexington Police Department also responded. The city said the worker was not doing work on behalf of the City of Lexington. Lexington Electric crews de-energized the affected line to allow fire and rescue personnel to safely access the scene. Spring Street was closed for about two hours while crews worked. The road reopened around 12:20 p.m. after the line was secured and equipment was cleared from the area. The Lexington Police Department assisted with traffic control and victim identification. Consistent with department practice, the victim’s identity has not been released.
Man falls 35 feet, dies while trimming tree in Bloomfield Hills
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI — A tree trimmer has died after what police say was a tragic accident Thursday, at a home in Bloomfield Hills. Police said the 61-year-old man from Oakland County was trimming the top of a tree that stood more than 50 tall, in a neighborhood near Lone Pine and Cranbrook roads, when the tip of the tree broke. The tree-trimmer fell about 35 feet, according to a police. The trunk of the tree then broke, and hit the man. He was rushed to the hospital, but died of his injuries. Police said the it appears that the worker was secured to the trunk, wearing proper safety gear. The man’s name was not released. According to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) this was the 22nd worker to die on the job in the state this year.
Person killed in grain bin accident, body recovered
SHERMAN COUNTY, NE — A person died in a grain bin accident in Nebraska on Tuesday. In a media release dated July 29, Sherman County Sheriff Joel Bergman said Emergency Management and 911 received a call at about 5:11 p.m. requesting grain bin extraction equipment at a location south of Ashton. The sheriff’s office said the individual was located and their body was recovered from the grain bin. The person’s name is not being released pending next of kin notification. No further details about the accident were disclosed.
Pennsylvania man killed in industrial accident at Alton Steel
ALTON, IL — A Pennsylvania man died last week at Alton Steel from an industrial accident, the Madison County Coroner says. Andrew J. Bengel, 56, of Waterford, Pennsylvania, died on July 20 at Alton Steel at 5 Cut Street. According to the coroner’s office, a lifting hook fractured, causing a heavy chain to hit Bengel. The preliminary cause of death following an autopsy on Bengel is blunt force trauma to the chest and abdomen trauma. The Alton Police Department, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Madison County Coroner’s Office are investigating the death.
Contract worker from China dies in workplace accident at Shannon facility
SHANNON, MS — A workplace death at a Lee County manufacturing facility is under investigation, according to WTVA. Lee County Coroner Carolyn Green identified the victim as 43-year-old Fan Weifeng of China. The incident happened late Monday night at Grammer in Shannon. Green said Weifeng suffered a crushing injury while working on a machine. Weifeng was doing contract work for Chaoda, Green said.
Worker hit, killed by heavy machinery at Chilton County facility
CHILTON COUNTY, AL — A person was killed in an industrial accident at Alabama Bridge Builders in Chilton County, according to authorities. The Chilton County Sheriff’s Office said the accident happened on Wednesday, July 29.A worker was reportedly hit by heavy machinery while at the facility, according to authorities. Emergency responders were at the scene and provided aid; however, the worker died from their injuries. The victim’s identity is not being shared at this time.
‘It’s horrible’: Body of missing worker found in Downers Grove sewer
DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove authorities confirmed Tuesday that the body of a contract worker lost in a storm sewer amid tempestuous weather Monday has been found. “At approximately 5 p.m., the missing crew member was located in the storm sewer near Washington Street. He was pronounced deceased at the scene,” authorities said. “The village’s thoughts are with the crew members, their families and everyone at Vortex Lining Systems during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for the families’ privacy, names of the crew members are not being released at this time,” officials noted. What had been a rescue effort Monday, when another worker was pulled from the sewer alive, become a recovery operation Tuesday, as crews who had worked overnight continued their underground search for the missing man. Occupational Health and Safety Administration officials were at the scene, and spokesperson Juan J. Rodriguez confirmed the agency had opened an investigation. “No additional information will be provided” during the investigation, said Rodriguez, deputy regional director for the eastern region.
Semi-truck driver found dead along I-65 in Nashville
NASHVILLE, TN — A truck driver was found deceased inside a tractor-trailer parked along Interstate 65 in Nashville Thursday morning. Police activity was reported on I-65 North near mile marker 87.6 around 9:59 a.m. The northbound entrance ramp is closed and the right shoulder is blocked. Metro Nashville Police said the tractor-trailer had been stationary along the interstate and the company requested a welfare check on the driver. Nashville Fire Department crews responded and confirmed the driver was dead. Police said there are no signs of foul play.
‘Our hearts are broken’: Deputy, 29, dies during dive team underwater training exercise
LEXINGTON, SC — Authorities say a deputy in South Carolina has died during a training exercise. According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Master Deputy Jillian Olson died during an underwater training session with the dive team at Lake Murray on Thursday. She was 29 years old. The sheriff’s department did not immediately share what may have occurred during the exercise but said several state agencies, including the Lexington County coroner, were investigating.
Aberdeen man killed in industrial accident
ABERDEEN, WA — On Thursday, July, several agencies including the Aberdeen police and fire departments and the Grays Harbor County Coroner’s Office responded to a death that had occurred at Pacific Veneer in Aberdeen. It was determined that 45-year-old Aberdeen resident Dara Phin had been injured while operating machinery at the mill. Despite life saving measures from his co-workers and Aberdeen fire personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased. Family members were on site shortly after. An autopsy was conducted the following day, and it was determined that the cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation, and the manner was an accident.
UAW officials demand details after death of 30-year union member in Macomb County
MACOMB COUNTY, MI — A longtime UAW member has died after an incident at the Stellantis Center Line National Parts Depot in Macomb County. UAW International Union put out a joint statement from their president and vice president saying James Brasher, a more than 30-year union member, was killed while working on a renovation project at the facility. The union says it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The union is demanding details from Stellantis to prevent future accidents.
30-year-old employee dies at Massillon manufacturing facility after apparent suicide
MASSILLON, OH — A 30-year-old employee died after an apparent suicide at a manufacturing facility in Massillon over the weekend. Massillon police and emergency crews were dispatched to Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) on Warmington Road following a report of a person who had fallen. Upon arrival, first responders determined the employee had died. Authorities believe the death was the result of suicide. No foul play is suspected. The incident occurred at the workplace while the man was an employee of the company. Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the death have not been released.
Semi truck driver killed in 2-vehicle crash in Federal Way
FEDERAL WAY, WA — A fatal crash involving a car and a semi-truck blocked lanes of northbound Interstate 5 in Federal Way on Tuesday morning, prompting warnings of a lengthy closure. Just before 10 a.m., the WSP announced the crash, stating that the two right lanes of NB I-5 near the Federal Way Rest Area are blocked, just south of SR 18 (milepost 141). The WSP said the semi-truck driver, identified as Jason Reed, 31, of Elma, died in the crash.
Driver dead after a two semi crash in Oregon
CLACKAMAS COUNTY, OR — On Thursday at approximately 10:37 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a fatal two-vehicle crash on Highway 26 near milepost 31.5 near Sandy. The preliminary investigation indicated a red Freightliner semi‑truck and triple trailer, operated by Colton Wayne Adams, 36, of Bend, was traveling westbound on Hwy. 26 near East Terra Fern Drive when it overheated and stopped in the westbound travel lane. The Freightliner was then rear‑ended by a white Volvo semi‑truck and triple trailer, operated by James Glenn Fisher, 62, of Medford. Fisher was pronounced deceased at the scene. Adams was reportedly not injured.
Owasso family wants answers after Atwoods employee found dead during shift
OWASSO, OK — An Owasso family is searching for answers after their loved one was found dead while working a shift at an Atwoods store last week. According to Owasso Police, 51-year-old Dewayne Edwards was last seen on security cameras around 9:30 a.m. on July 21 while working outside at the Atwoods store. About an hour and a half later, a customer found Edwards dead outside the business. His sister, Brandy Milam, said her brother loved his job and cared deeply about the people around him. Temperatures reached triple digits that day. Milam said the condition of her brother’s body was so severe that she was advised not to view it. Now, she wants answers—not only for her family, but to help prevent something similar from happening to another employee.
Truck driver killed in I-65 crash, fire; southbound lanes closed most of Monday
HENRYVILLE, IN — A semi-truck driver, involved in a fiery one-vehicle crash on southbound I-65, died in the accident on Monday morning, July 27. The crash happened near Henryville, between State Road 160 and Brownstown Road. All southbound lanes of the interstate were closed for most of the day.
Kansas highway worker killed after pickup crashes into I-135 work zone outside Salina
SALINA, KS — One highway worker was killed and two others were injured Tuesday morning after a pickup truck crashed into a group of workers along Interstate 135 outside Salina. The Kansas Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 9:45 a.m. on northbound I-135 in Saline County. The crash report states a 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 left the roadway for reasons that remain unclear, striking a parked vehicle in a construction zone before spinning into a guardrail. The pickup then rolled into a grassy area, where it hit seven highway workers. Toby Marco, 55, of Abilene, employed by Lochner, was killed. Two other workers suffered minor injuries, while four escaped without injury. The driver of the vehicle was seriously hurt in the crash.
Lynn town marshal killed during chase of suspect in eastern Indiana; 34-year-old woman in custody
RANDOLPH COUNTY, IN — Indiana State Police confirmed a Randolph County town marshal was killed after he was hit by a suspect in a stolen vehicle in eastern Indiana Wednesday morning. ISP Sgt. Scott Keegan said the incident started at 8:30 a.m. July 29 when a Randolph County sheriff’s deputy saw a stolen vehicle and identified the driver — a 34-year-old woman from Winchester — as having multiple warrants. Keegan said the suspect initially pulled over at County Roads 400 West and 50 South but then took off and fled from deputies. According to Keegan, the chase went through Randolph County. Keegan said Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher tried to set out a tire deflation system at U.S. 36 and U.S. 27 when the suspect crashed into him, lost control and then crashed into a dump truck. Keegan confirmed Fisher died at the hospital from his injuries.
Two people killed in semi crash on I-29 near Honey Creek exit
OMAHA, NE — A crash involving a semi-truck on Interstate 29 left two people dead Wednesday morning. According to a Wednesday evening update from the Iowa State Patrol, 64-year-old Charles Grandpre of Salina, Kan., was driving a semi-truck northbound on I-29 when the vehicle drove through cable barriers and crashed into the median support column for the Rosewood Road bridge, near the Honey Creek exit. Angela Blackwood, 49, of Broken Arrow, Okla., was also in the vehicle. Both Grandpre and Blackwood were killed in the crash. The ISP report said neither was wearing a seatbelt. The crash, which tore the semi in half, was reported at around 6 a.m. The extent of the scene caused responders to route southbound traffic to the exit before returning them to the interstate.
Coroner IDs truck driver killed in Fairfield County crash
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, SC — Authorities said a truck driver died after a crash in Fairfield County on Wednesday. The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the wreck happened on S.C. 213 near the intersection of Pumphouse Road, around four miles south of Winnsboro. Troopers said a 2013 Mack truck was heading south on the highway when it ran off the road. The truck then struck trees, a fence and a ditch before overturning. The driver, 33-year-old Johnathan Ginyard, died at the scene. Fairfield County Coroner Chris Hill later added that the truck had rolled onto its driver’s side with a tree landing on the passenger side. Hill also said Ginyard became trapped as a result of the crash, and died at the scene.
Truck driver dies in accident, near East Junction of U.S. 77 and Nebraska 41
BEATRICE, NE — The driver of a tanker truck has been killed in a two-vehicle accident 16 miles north of Beatrice, near the east junction of U.S. Highway 77 and Nebraska Highway 41. State Patrol Spokesman Cody Thomas says the driver of the tanker truck was westbound on Highway 41, approaching a curve to the junction with U.S. 77. The semi-tanker apparently crossed the center line, side-swiping a southbound pickup. The tanker truck went off the south side of Highway 41, overturning in the ditch. The pickup went off the south side of 41, ending up near some pine trees at a farm residence. Thomas says the driver of the tanker truck died at the scene, while the pickup driver was taken by ground ambulance to a Lincoln hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The identities of those involved were not released, pending notification of relatives. Investigators were on the scene of the accident until at least five p.m.
Dispute between contractors ends with 1 dead, 1 injured in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, MO — A man died and another was critically injured in a south St. Louis shooting. Police said the double shooting happened in the 3700 block of Juniata around 3:50 p.m. on Thursday. At the scene, police said that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between contractors, with both men shooting at one another. Friday morning, police said the dispute happened between a 54-year-old man and 42-year-old Alvaro Perez Vargas of Caseyville, Illinois. When police arrived, the 54-year-old was sitting on a porch with a gunshot wound. Vargas was then found inside the residence, also with a gunshot wound. Preliminary investigation indicates the two had an argument that led to shots fired. There were two firearms at the scene. Both men were taken to the hospital, where Vargas was pronounced dead. The 54-year-old was released to police custody after treatment at the hospital.
Conway Fire Department mourns death of firefighter engineer Derek Johnson
CONWAY, AR — Officials with the Conway Fire Department announced the loss of one of their employees, firefighter engineer Derek Johnson. Fire officials posted a statement on social media saying that Johnson served the citizens of Conway with honor, dedication and compassion.
Western Wisconsin firefighter, 27, dies in line-of-duty
Eau Claire, WI — The community of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is mourning after a firefighter died in the line of duty. According to the Eau Claire Fire Department, Bryce Jungbluth, 27, suffered a medical emergency after his shift on July 26. According to Jungbluth’s obituary, he died on Friday at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Semi-truck driver found dead along I-65 in Nashville
NASHVILLE, TN — A truck driver was found deceased inside a tractor-trailer parked along Interstate 65 in Nashville Thursday morning. Police activity was reported on I-65 North near mile marker 87.6 around 9:59 a.m. The northbound entrance ramp is closed and the right shoulder is blocked. Metro Nashville Police said the tractor-trailer had been stationary along the interstate and the company requested a welfare check on the driver. Nashville Fire Department crews responded and confirmed the driver was dead. Police said there are no signs of foul play.
Oklahoma County Detention Center major dies after medical emergency at work
OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OK — A major at the Oklahoma County Detention Center died Thursday after suffering a medical emergency while at work, the jail said. Officials said Major Jamie McGuckin served the detention center for 15 years under both the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office and the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority. “Jamie was more than a respected leader, he was a trusted friend, mentor, and teammate to so many,” said Jail Administrator Tim Kimrey. “His commitment to public service and to the people he worked with was evident every day. His loss will be deeply felt throughout our organization, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.” He also served as a cross-commissioned peace officer with the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, the jail said.
Suspect in shooting at Idaho fast-food restaurant died from self-inflicted gunshot wound, police say
TWIN FALLS, ID — The suspect in a fatal shooting at a fast-food restaurant in Idaho died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said Sunday, crediting an off-duty officer and a citizen with firing shots that diverted him. Investigators are confident that the gunman, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, acted alone during the shooting Saturday in Twin Falls, Police Chief Matthew Hicks said at a news conference. In all, three people died and seven others were injured at the recently opened restaurant in the southern Idaho city of about 56,000 people. Authorities said Sunday that two of the injured were treated at a hospital and released, three were listed as stable, and two were in critical condition. One of those killed was an employee, the fast-food chain’s owner said.
Coroner identifies dump truck driver killed in Union County crash
UNION COUNTY, SC — The Union County Coroner’s Office identified the dump truck driver killed in a crash Friday. The coroner identified the driver as 79-year-old Joseph White. He was the only person inside the vehicle. The coroner’s office said it was called to Old Buncombe Road near Sedalia Fire Tower Road for a motor vehicle crash. The South Carolina Highway Patrol said a 2025 Kenworth dump truck was traveling on Old Buncombe Road when it first went off the right side of the road and hit a ditch and several trees. The truck then went back onto the roadway and went off the left side before hitting a ditch, according to troopers. Officials said White died at the scene.
Ohio truck driver dies in Highway 36 crash in Shelby County
SHELBY COUNTY, MO — A man from Columbus, Ohio, died in a crash involving a semi-truck on Saturday morning in Shelby County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The crash happened at approximately 11:09 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, along Highway 36, about one-half mile west of Highway 15. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2017 Volvo conventional truck was traveling east when it traveled off the south side of the roadway, jackknifed, and struck an advertisement sign. The 46-year-old driver from Columbus, Ohio, was wearing a seat belt. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:45 a.m. by Shelby County Coroner Corey Eagan.