Redmond rock-driller killed in Curry County accident

(Update: Comments from sheriff, friend)

A Redmond man drilling rock in a remote area of Curry County for a Bend-based explosives company apparently was struck by falling debris and killed Monday afternoon, sheriff’s deputies said.

The Curry County Sheriff’s Office and other emergency workers responded around 12:20 p.m. to the area of Goat Rock, about 17 miles northeast of Gold Beach, on a report of an injured worker, Capt. Michael Espinoza said.

Trevor Thomas Ramirez, 25, had been drilling rock in an area between the Lobster Creek and Silver Creek drainages for Apex Explosives of Bend. Espinoza said it’s believed Ramirez may have been struck and seriously injured by falling debris.

An initial investigation determined Ramirez was working alone and was found injured by another contractor doing work in the area.

Espinoza said there were immediate efforts to provide Ramirez with medical attention and an air ambulance was dispatched. However, as first responders coordinated resources to remove Ramirez, he died at the scene while life-saving efforts were underway, the captain said.

“It’s hard in this area to get medical (help),” Curry County Sheriff John Ward said. “We do have an air ambulance that went to the scene where Mr. Ramirez was, but by the time they got there, he had already passed away.”

One of Ramirez’s grieving friends said, “Trevor was an amazing friend who’d give you the shirt off his back or the last dollar he had.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will assist in the investigation, Espinoza said.