A South Carolina sanitation worker died on his first day on the job after falling from a garbage truck his own father was driving.
John Derrick Dover, 32, was one of two workers standing on the rear platform of a Cherokee County Solid Waste Department truck as crews collected trash in Gaffney around 1:50 p.m. Monday, Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said. As the truck made a turn, Dover fell and hit the pavement.
Dover was rushed by ambulance to Spartanburg Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:26 p.m.
“This is a most tragic incident as it was Dover’s first day on the job,” Fowler said in a statement.
“What’s even worse, the truck was being driven by his father,” the coroner continued. “Our hearts and prayers are with this family.”
The county posted its own tribute on Facebook Tuesday morning, confirming Dover had just started with the department.
“Cherokee County is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our employees, who passed away yesterday afternoon,” officials wrote.
“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,” the post continued.
The county identified Dover as “a new employee in the Cherokee County Solid Waste Department” and noted that facts about the incident were still being gathered.
“Facts related to this incident are in the process of being gathered and Cherokee County wants to ensure that any information it provides related to this terrible tragedy is accurate out of respect for the County’s citizens and John’s family and loved ones,” officials posted.
The county added that it would “provide updates as soon as confirmed information becomes available” and extended “heartfelt condolences to all who knew John and to those mourning his passing.”
In the viral moment that has drawn national attention, the devastating coincidence of a father driving the vehicle on which his son fatally fell has transformed a workplace accident into an almost unbearable family tragedy. The accident occurred on Bonner Road near Hayes Road in Gaffney, according to local reports, as the sanitation crew made its regular rounds. Dover had been one of two workers riding on the back of the truck, a common position for crew members who hop on and off to collect bins.
The Cherokee County Solid Waste Department has not released additional details about how Dover fell or whether any safety protocols are under review following the death. The county’s statement emphasized its commitment to accuracy as the investigation continues. Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials have not yet publicly commented on whether they are investigating the incident.
Cherokee County will provide updates on the incident as confirmed information becomes available.