A 41-year-old contractor, Darrell Sheriff, tragically lost his life on Monday morning after being buried under hot asphalt while attempting to repair his dump truck in Jackson, Mississippi.
The incident occurred at AJ Materials around 10:30 a.m., where Sheriff, a private contractor, was picking up a load of asphalt for his work when his vehicle experienced a malfunction.
According to the Jackson Police Department, Sheriff was underneath the truck working on a hydraulic line when the truck’s tailgate unexpectedly opened, causing hot asphalt to pour onto him. Responders rushed to the scene, and witnesses attempted to free him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The incident was described by Police Chief Joseph Wade as “very horrific” and “tragic.”
In a statement to reporters, Chief Wade expressed his condolences to Sheriff’s family, highlighting that the victim was known as a hardworking man dedicated to his job. “I talked to some of his family here on scene.
They said he was a good man, a hardworking man, just trying to make a living, and that’s just the synopsis of so many people here in the city of Jackson,” Wade said. He called on the community to keep Sheriff’s family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
While the Jackson Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident, initial findings indicate that the accident was likely due to an equipment malfunction and that no foul play is suspected. Police Chief Wade emphasized that further investigations will help determine any contributing factors in the truck’s mechanical failure.
The tragic accident has brought attention to the risks faced by workers in construction and materials handling, where unexpected equipment issues can lead to serious injuries or even death.
The Jackson community mourns Sheriff’s loss, with local authorities and community members offering support to his family. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.