SEMINOLE – Detectives with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Robbery & Homicide Unit are investigating a fatal electrocution that occurred at a Seminole work site on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
At approximately 1:53 p.m., on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, deputies responded to 8675 Park Boulevard after reports of an electrocution. Upon arrival, deputies found three men who had been injured, with a fire burning in the surrounding grassy area.
Investigators determined the crew, employed by Primoris and subcontracted by Duke Energy, was installing a new utility pole. According to detectives, 30-year-old Justin Bryan, 27-year-old Jefferey Busch, and 31-year-old Matthew Waldrop were working with a boom operator to position the pole. While attempting to secure it, the boom operator’s claw struck the pole, causing it to contact a power line. Witnesses reported seeing an explosion, which ignited the ground.
Firefighters worked to both extinguish the fire and remove the injured men from the hazardous area.
Bryan, who was on the ground during the incident, was pronounced dead at the scene. Busch and Waldrop were transported to the burn unit at Tampa General Hospital with severe burns.
Nearly 14,000 Duke Energy customers were left without electricity, and crews restored power to most customers by about 5:30 p.m.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified. Detectives say the incident appears to be accidental, and no suspicious circumstances are suspected. The investigation remains ongoing.