FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 02/07/2009) - A construction worker is dead after an accident on a Millington golf course. The man was working on the Big Creek Golf Course when the accident happened. Singer and Millington native Justin Timberlake just purchased the course and it was undergoing a major renovation.
The construction worker was driving a track hoe when he was crushed to death. He was clearing trees from the Big Creek Golf Course making way for a new road when one of the trees fell on him. Firefighters got the rescue call about 8:30am Saturday but it soon become a call for recovery. The worker died on the scene.
"They were clearing heavy trees. One of the trees evidently became dislodged, fell over and crushed the cab of one of the track hoes that was down working on the scene," said Shelby County Fire Dept. spokesperson, Brent Perkins.
Millington native Justin Timberlake purchased the golf course recently and it was undergoing a major renovation. Golf course officials did not want to comment but said the victim worked for a private contractor not the golf course. The accident devastated those who had worked alongside the victim all week long.
"When you work with somebody like him for days, they get to be your friend and the next day you come back and he's dead. It's dangerous you know," said heavy equipment mechanic, Rudy Thompson.
The Shelby County Fire Department used heavy cutters and other prying equipment to cut through the heavy steel cab and remove the victim. They are still trying to determine what went wrong this weekend.
"We think at this point that the ground can be so unstable. It's very wet and very muddy that the bottom of the tree just gave way. In fact, and fell on the track hoe," said Perkins.
Perkins says a through investigation is underway.
Officials from Big Creek Golf course say they will release a statement at a later time.
- Construction worker dies while clearing trees on golf course
- Golf course recently purchased by native Millington resident Justin Timerberlake
- Golf course was undergoing renovation
(Memphis 02/07/2009) - A construction worker is dead after an accident on a Millington golf course. The man was working on the Big Creek Golf Course when the accident happened. Singer and Millington native Justin Timberlake just purchased the course and it was undergoing a major renovation.
The construction worker was driving a track hoe when he was crushed to death. He was clearing trees from the Big Creek Golf Course making way for a new road when one of the trees fell on him. Firefighters got the rescue call about 8:30am Saturday but it soon become a call for recovery. The worker died on the scene.
"They were clearing heavy trees. One of the trees evidently became dislodged, fell over and crushed the cab of one of the track hoes that was down working on the scene," said Shelby County Fire Dept. spokesperson, Brent Perkins.
Millington native Justin Timberlake purchased the golf course recently and it was undergoing a major renovation. Golf course officials did not want to comment but said the victim worked for a private contractor not the golf course. The accident devastated those who had worked alongside the victim all week long.
"When you work with somebody like him for days, they get to be your friend and the next day you come back and he's dead. It's dangerous you know," said heavy equipment mechanic, Rudy Thompson.
The Shelby County Fire Department used heavy cutters and other prying equipment to cut through the heavy steel cab and remove the victim. They are still trying to determine what went wrong this weekend.
"We think at this point that the ground can be so unstable. It's very wet and very muddy that the bottom of the tree just gave way. In fact, and fell on the track hoe," said Perkins.
Perkins says a through investigation is underway.
Officials from Big Creek Golf course say they will release a statement at a later time.
