Worker fixing sign dies after truck hits lift, throwing him across the street

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - An Ohio sign company employee died while on duty after a box truck crashed into the lift he was on, throwing him onto a car across the street.

The Willoughby Police Department confirmed a 30-year-old worker was up in a “red cherry picker truck” while fixing a light on the DavEd Jewelers sign Monday morning, WOIO reports.

A Ryder box truck crashed into the lift about 9:47 a.m. The impact threw the worker from the bucket, and he landed on a car across the street, according to WPD Public Information Officer Det. Lt. John Begovic.

Police say the worker was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.

An off-duty nurse who witnessed the crash rushed to help the employee and performed CPR. First responders quickly arrived, and an ambulance took him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Begovic.

The employee’s name has not yet been released.

Police say the 33-year-old man driving the truck was not physically injured in the crash but is shaken up.

The Lake County Accident Investigation Unit and Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating.

Begovic says the preliminary investigation indicates the elbow of the red cherry picker truck was out too far into the street.

Heritage Sign & Lighting, LLC, is a local sign repair and installation company that operates as a franchise of YESCO sign and lighting services. The on-duty death of an employee was confirmed in a statement released by Melinda Arko, the president of YESCO NE Ohio.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the employee’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We are doing everything we can to support those affected by this tragedy,” the statement read in part.

Arko said the company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. It will also be reviewing its safety protocols and taking any necessary steps to prevent a similar incident in the future.