MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WDBJ7) -- A City of Martinsville maintenance worker was involved in an accident on Corn Tassel Trail on Tuesday morning.
Reports say, Tony Davis, a long-time City Public Works employee of 27 years was operating a city-owned tractor-mower at approximately 10:30 a.m., just south of the intersection with Sam Lions Trail when a tree fell from the side of the road onto the mower, seriously injuring Davis.
The tractor then continued a short distance, eventually breaking a utility pole and coming to a stop on the opposite side of the road.
Authorities responded to the accident and transported Davis to the hospital where he died a short time later.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family at this most difficult time," noted City Manager Leon Towarnicki. "Tony was well-like around the city and we are all greatly saddened by this tragic loss."
The accident is under investigation.
=============
Martinsville city worker dies in workplace accident Tuesday morning
Tony Davis worked for the city for 27 years
By Jeff Williamson - Digital Content Manager
Updated: 9:53 PM, September 26, 2017
MARTINSVILLE, Va. - A Martinsville city employee died during a workplace accident on Tuesday morning, according to the city.
Tony Davis, a public works employee with 27 years of service, was operating a tractor mower on Corn Tassel Trail at about 10:30 a.m., just south of the intersection with Sam Lions Trail, when a tree fell onto the cab of the tractor, seriously injuring him, according to a news release from the city.
The tractor continued a short distance south on Corn Tassel Trail, eventually breaking a utility pole and coming to a stop on the opposite side of the street.
Martinsville Fire & Emergency Medical Services MS responded to the accident and transported Davis to an emergency room where he died a short while later from injuries.
The accident is under investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Davis family at this most difficult time,” noted City Manager Leon Towarnicki, “as well as with friends and co-workers. Tony was well-liked around the City Shop and we are all greatly saddened by this tragic loss.”
We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Tony Davis. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of sorrow.
Copy of Media Release from the City of Martinsville:
Media Information, contact the Human Resources Office: 276-403-5164
Martinsville, VA (September 26, 2017) – On Tuesday morning, September 26, a City maintenance worker was involved in an accident on Corn Tassel Trail, and died at the Emergency Room later that morning from injuries sustained in the incident.
Tony Davis, a long-time City Public Works employee with 27 years of service was operating a City tractor mower on Corn Tassel Trail at approximately 10:30 am, just south of the intersection with Sam Lions Trail when a tree fell from the side of the road onto the cab of the tractor, seriously injuring Davis. The tractor continued a short distance south on Corn Tassel Trail, eventually breaking a utility pole and coming to a stop on the opposite side of the street. Martinsville Fire & EMS responded to the accident and transported Davis to the Emergency Room where he died a short while later from injuries. The accident is under investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Davis family at this most difficult time,” noted City Manager Leon Towarnicki, “as well as with friends and co-workers. Tony was well-liked around the City Shop and we are all greatly saddened by this tragic loss.”
=================
MARTINSVILLE, VA –A Martinsville employee died Tuesday morning as a result of a on-the-job accident.
Tony Davis, a 27-year public works department employee, was driving a city-owned tractor mower on Corn Tassel Trail, near the intersection with Sam Lions Trail, at about 10:30 a.m. A tree near the roadside fell onto the tractor’s cab, seriously injuring Davis, who died after being taken by ambulance to the Sovah Health Martinsville emergency department, according to a statement from city officials.
After the accident, the tractor continued for a short distance south on Corn Tassel before breaking a utility pole and coming to a stop on the opposite side of the street.
The Martinsville Police Department is investigating the accident. However, no foul play seems to have been involved, Police Chief Eddie Cassady said in a phone interview.
Kris Shrader, the Martinsville Fire & EMS Department’s assistant chief who oversees emergency medical services, said the accident seems to have been “a random act of nature.”
The tree appeared to be dead, Cassady said, adding there is no indication that Davis’ operating the tractor mower had anything to do with the accident.
“It appears to be just a bad accident,” he said, declining further comment on the investigation.
City Manager Leon Towarnicki said Davis was well-liked by other city employees.
“He was a super nice guy,” said Fire Chief Ted Anderson.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Davis’ family at this most difficult time,” Towarnicki said. “We are all greatly saddened by this tragic loss.”