An investigation is underway after a construction worker was killed Monday afternoon at a job site tied to the Edwards Road improvement project in McLendon-Chisholm.
Emergency responders were dispatched around 3:25 p.m. on May 11 to the area of Costa Verde Drive and Torrente Drive in the Sanoma Verde subdivision after receiving reports of an unresponsive worker at the site, according to the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office.
When crews arrived, they located a man who authorities said had reportedly been struck and run over by an excavator. Personnel from McLendon-Chisholm Fire Department and Rockwall County EMS pronounced the man dead at the scene.
The Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office identified the worker as William Werner, 56, of Kaufman County. Officials said Werner was employed by a utility contractor involved in sewer installation work connected to the road project.
Authorities said Werner’s body was taken to the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has also been notified as investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
McLendon-Chisholm Mayor-elect Jerry Brewer shared a statement on social media following the fatal accident:
“I’ve been informed of a tragic loss at the Edwards road construction site today, where a worker’s life was cut short,” Brewer said, WFAA reported. “Let’s surround the deceased, their loved ones, and colleagues with love, care, and prayers during this difficult time. Meanwhile, let’s allow the authorities to work uninterrupted and avoid the area.”
The Edwards Road project calls for the reconstruction of about 1.17 miles of roadway beginning at League Road and extending to near 428 Edwards Road.
Officials said the investigation remains active.
