La Pine man delivering concrete blocks electrocuted when boom hits power lines
(Update: Oregon OSHA begins investigation)
La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A 23-year-old La Pine man delivering concrete blocks was electrocuted Thursday when the boom of his truck touched overhead power lines, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.
Sgt. Jayson Janes identified the man as Ethan Matthews. He said deputies were called shortly after 1 p.m. to the 15000 block of Davis Avenue to conduct a death investigation.
Matthews was working for La Pine Redi-Mix, a family-owned and operated business, and was unloading the concrete blocks at a project site, Janes said.
A family member asked NewsChannel 21 for respect and privacy at this difficult time.
Oregon OSHA has opened an investigation of the incident, a standard process for work-related fatalities or injuries, spokesman Aaron Corvin said Friday.
"These types of investigations can take a few months to complete, give or take," he said. "Our job is to determine whether violations of workplace safety requirements occurred," through evidence, interviews and revies of safety records.
"If Oregon OSHA identifies violations, we can issue citations, which can carry penalties," Corvin added. "We also require employers to correct any serious violations that have been identified."
