EASTPOINTE, Mich. – An Eastpointe city worker has died following the collapse of a trench he was working on.
ORIGINAL STORY: Eastpointe city worker dies after trench collapses
City officials confirmed the Department of Public Works employee that passed away was 45-year-old Brian Theobald.
The accident that took his life happened on Wednesday evening when his team was working on broken water main. The trench around the main collapsed trapping Brian in the 6-7 foot hole.
Within minutes, crews were there trying to save them. The Eastpointe Fire Department and several other bystanders -- including Dean Pollard -- worked to free Theobald, even trying CPR to revive him. He was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
“We didn’t know exactly what going on after they took him to the hospital,” said Pollard.
Pollard just found out that Brian Passed away. Today he’s paying his respects with a few roses.
“It kind of hit us bad because when you’re trying to save someone and they pass away it effects you,” said Pollard.
The city of Eastpointe is mourning his death, as he was an employee for the last 13 years.
“When he’s an employee of Eastpointe -- It’s a small community, so he’s part of the family,” Pollard added.
It’s a tragic situation all around. Brian leaves behind a wife and two kids who now have to ring in the new year with an unimaginable absence.
“That’s even worse. I feel sorry for family,” Pollard concluded.
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