JACKSON, Miss. WJTV — A 41-year-old contractor tragically lost his life Monday morning after being buried under hot asphalt while working on his dump truck.
The victim, identified as Darrell Sheriff, was at AJ Materials in Jackson to pick up a load of asphalt when his vehicle malfunctioned around 10:30 a.m.
According to the Jackson Police Department, Sheriff was repairing a hydraulic line under the truck when the tailgate unexpectedly opened, causing asphalt to fall on him. Despite efforts from bystanders to assist, he could not be rescued in time.
Police Chief Joseph Wade described the incident as horrific and tragic, extending condolences to Sheriff’s family. He was a good man, a hardworking man, just trying to make a living, Wade noted during a Monday afternoon briefing. Let’s keep his family uplifted in prayer.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, but authorities believe Sheriff’s death was accidental.