Tractor Rollover in Palm Harbor Kills Man in Work-related Accident
Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a work-related accident after a tractor rolled over on a man in Palm Harbor.
The accident occurred at about 1:51 p.m. on August 23, 2017.
Deputies were called to the power-line easement approximately 300 feet east of Lake St. George Drive and Chatham Drive, in Palm Harbor, for a deceased person.
According to deputies, the victim 26-year-old Steven Brakenwagen of Obrien, Florida and his co-worker 28-year-old Levi McFatter, both employed by Natur Chem. They were taking turns driving a Kubota tractor and spraying vegetation in the power-line easement.
McFatter was taking a break while Brakenwagen was driving the tractor in the wooded area. When Brakenwagen did not return, McFatter went to check on him and found the Kubota tractor overturned in a deep hole, with Brakenwagen trapped underneath and unresponsive.
McFatter called 911 and paramedics from Palm Harbor Fire Rescue responded.
Brakenwagen was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Rescue crews utilized a crane and worked for approximately three hours to free the victim.
Deputies believe Brakenwagen did not see the steep embankment due to the thick vegetation. As the tractor rolled down the embankment, Brakenwagen was ejected and pinned underneath.
Brakenwagen and McFatter were contracted by Duke Energy to spray the vegetation on the Duke Energy property.
Deputies say the death appears accidental in nature.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified of the death investigation.
The investigation continues.