A South Carolina family is mourning a heartbreaking workplace tragedy after a 32-year-old sanitation worker fell from the back of a garbage truck and died on his very first day on the job.
The victim, identified as John Derrick Dover of Gaffney, died Monday, Aug. 17, after falling from a Cherokee County garbage collection truck.
Making the tragedy even more devastating, authorities said Dover’s father was driving the truck at the time.
According to Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler, Dover was one of two employees standing on the rear platform of the garbage truck around 1:50 p.m. as crews emptied roll-out trash carts.
The truck was turning onto Hayes Road when Dover fell from the back of the vehicle and struck the pavement.
Emergency responders rushed him to Spartanburg Medical Center.
Despite efforts to save him, Dover died at the hospital at 3:26 p.m.
“This is a most tragic incident as it was Dover’s first day on the job,” Fowler said.
“What’s even worse, the truck was being driven by his father. Our hearts and prayers are with this family.”
Authorities have not yet released a full explanation of what caused Dover to fall.
An autopsy was planned to help investigators determine his exact cause of death and better understand what happened in the moments leading up to the accident.
Cherokee County officials also confirmed Dover’s death in an emotional statement shared Tuesday.
“Cherokee County is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our employees, who passed away yesterday afternoon,” officials said.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Officials said Dover had only just started working for the Cherokee County Solid Waste Department.
“John Dover was a new employee in the Cherokee County Solid Waste Department,” the county said.
Officials added that they were still gathering information and wanted to make sure anything released publicly was accurate out of respect for Dover’s family and the community.
“The County will provide updates as soon as confirmed information becomes available,” the statement said.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew John and to those mourning his passing.”
The investigation into the fatal fall remains ongoing.
