Worker died after fall into sewage tank at Belle Plaine city facility
August 30, 2015
A worker who fell into a sewage tank and died has been identified as a 56-year-old man from Belle Plaine.
Jerome R. Connolly was killed Aug. 5 at the Belle Plaine water treatment plant, according to the Hennepin County medical examiner’s office. Connolly suffered “multiple chop injuries” and drowned, the medical examiner’s office said Friday.
Officials in Minnesota with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are among those investigating the circumstances leading to Connolly’s death. Connolly, also known as Jerry or Patches, worked for the city for 23 years.
Away from work, Connolly played softball for many years with friends and umpired the sport in Belle Plaine, New Prague and other nearby communities. A memorial softball tournament is scheduled for Oct. 3 in Belle Plaine, with some of the proceeds going to his family.
Connolly is survived by a wife and two daughters.
WORKER DROWNED IN AN OXIDATION DITCH WITHIN THE BELLE PLAINE, MINNESOTA WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Accident at Wastewater Treatment Plant Takes Life of Jerry Connolly
Connolly Worked for City for 23 Years
Wednesday, August 12, 2015 9:40 AM
Investigators believe he drowned in an oxidation ditch within the plant facility, according to Belle Plaine Police Chief Tom Stolee.
Police and staff from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were at the plant on Union Trail (County Road 6) Thursday conducting a preliminary investigation, trying to determine how Connolly entered the ditch in the center of the facility grounds, just northeast of the building.
The report will indicate if safety measures failed, said City Administrator Holly Kreft. The inquiry also includes an autopsy by the Hennepin County medical examiner.
Kreft said the preliminary OSHA report indicates no problem with the facility’s safety systems. The final autopsy report is due late this month, Kreft said.
“We are all very saddened with this unfortunate accident and the loss of a longtime city employee and friend to all,” Stolee said.
Investigators are not certain when Connolly fell into the ditch, Kreft said. Connolly interacted with co-workers during the lunch hour Wednesday. Members of city staff did not see him that afternoon until his body was found at 5:05 p.m., she said.
His body was found in 16 feet of water, Kreft said.
‘Always a Smile’
“We’re very sad,” she said Thursday afternoon. “Jerry was a wonderful man and great employee. He always had a smile on his face and usually a chuckle.”
Connolly typically spent his workday at the plant. He worked alone unless a task required the assistance of a co-worker or he needed to leave the facility for a job-related reason, Kreft said.
Connolly, 56, had been with the City of Belle Plaine for 23 years. He worked as the wastewater treatment plant’s licensed facility operator since 2009. He managed the plant from 2002 to 2009 before earning his operator’s license, working with a licensed operator as needed, Kreft said.
Before being assigned to the wastewater treatment facility, Connolly worked for Belle Plaine Public Works on street and park maintenance crew.
Connolly is survived by his wife, Debra. They have two children, Brad and his wife, Amanda, and Kassie and her husband, Brady. Funeral services were Monday at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church. The Visitation was Sunday at Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine. Internment was in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Belle Plaine.
“He was incredibly proud of his family,” Kreft said. “He will be deeply missed.”