Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The City of Columbia says one of their employees died while trying to help with the city's response during Hurricane Irma Monday.
The city confirmed that Assistant Superintendent Arthur D. Strudwick, 48, was injured in a car accident on his way to a downed tree. Strudwick was taken to the hospital where he later died.
The city of Columbia said Strudwick's car went off the road and struck a tree. While the cause of the accident is under investigation, it's believed weather was a contributing factor.
"It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce the loss of one of our City of Columbia employees," City Manager Teresa Wilson said in a statement."
"Arthur was employed with the Forestry and Beautification Division of the Public Works Department. He was a dedicated public servant with the City of Columbia since 12/11/2001."
"Many people are aware of the sacrifices made by those who work in public safety departments, however only a few people realize that our staff in Public Works are also considered first responders during an emergency or crisis situation. These employees are considered essential and report for duty in all conditions in order to serve the needs of the public."
"Arthur was a wonderful employee who always maintained a positive attitude and cooperative spirit. He will be missed by his co-workers and colleagues at the City of Columbia. Everyone is deeply saddened by this devastating loss. Grief counselors are assisting staff."
"Our condolences and prayers go out to the Strudwick family during this period of bereavement."
"Please keep the City of Columbia family in your thoughts as well during this difficult time."
The city says flags will be flown at half-staff at all city buildings in tribute and in memory of Arthur.
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Columbia city employee killed responding to downed tree during Irma
By Cynthia Roldán and Teddy Kulmala
September 12, 2017 12:37 PM
COLUMBIA, S.C.
Arthur Strudwick tried each day to make a difference as a city of Columbia forestry employee, and his boss said he was doing that when he was killed in a crash during Tropical Storm Irma.
Strudwick, 48, was critically injured when he lost control of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado he was driving in the 5400 block of Farrow Road just before 8 p.m. Monday, according to a news release by the Columbia Police Department. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died died of blunt force trauma to the upper body.
Strudwick, an assistant superintendent with city’s Forestry and Beautification Division of the Public Works department since 2001, was en route to a downed tree when the crash happened, City Manager Teresa Wilson said in a statement.
Police believe Strudwick lost control of the truck, drove off the road and crashed into a tree. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but weather is believed to be a contributing factor.
“He was a model employee for the City of Columbia,” said Public Works director Robert Anderson. “He cared about what he did for the citizens and wanted to make a difference each day.”
At Irmo’s Episcopal Church of St. Simon and St. Jude, Strudwick was involved in many of the church’s ministries and taught elementary Sunday school with his wife Jennifer, according to Father Mark Abdelnour, pastor.
“There wasn't a cynical bone in his body,” Abdelnour said. “He was the most open and loving guy I knew.”
Strudwick’s open personality made him a good fit for many of the church’s ministries, including Sharing God’s Love, feeding the homeless and preventing child abuse.
“Arthur was always in the middle of all that,” Abdelnour said. “I couldn't get the guy to say no.”
Flags were flown at half-staff at all city buildings in memory of Strudwick.
Officials on Tuesday attributed at least three other deaths in South Carolina to Tropical Storm Irma.
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Columbia Police investigate fatal collision involving City of Columbia employee
September 12, 2017
Cola Daily Staff
The Columbia Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, in the 5400 block of Farrow Road.
According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, 48-year-old Arthur Dewayne Strudwick died from blunt force trauma to the upper body as a result of the collision. Strudwick was a City of Columbia employee. He was an assistant superintendent for the city.
Traffic Safety officers believe Strudwick lost control of the 2017 Chevy Silverado and struck a tree after the vehicle left the road.
Strudwick was taken to a local hospital where medical staff pronounced him deceased.
CPD officers are working to determine the exact cause of the collision, but it’s believed that weather was a contributing factor.
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| Posted by Arthur on his Facebook page. Then, the dear God took his life as Arthur was heading to storm emergencies. God sucks, big time! |