A 32-year-old sanitation worker in South Carolina died Monday, his first day on the job, after falling from the back of a garbage truck. The truck was being driven by his father, according to local officials.
The incident occurred around 1:50 p.m. in Gaffney. The worker, identified as John Derrick Dover, was one of two employees standing on the rear platform of the truck as it collected trash. When the truck made a turn, Dover fell and hit the pavement.
Dover was transported by ambulance to Spartanburg Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:26 p.m. Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler described the incident as a "most tragic" event, emphasizing that it was Dover's first day of employment and that his father was operating the vehicle.
Cherokee County issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss of their employee. The county acknowledged the heartbreaking nature of the tragedy for the community, family, and coworkers. Officials stated that facts related to the incident are still being gathered, and further updates will be provided once confirmed information is available out of respect for the family and citizens.
