RICHMOND, Ky. — The Madison County Coroner has identified the contractor who died in a workplace accident on the Eastern Kentucky University campus Tuesday as Edwin Burton II, of Illinois.
According to officials, Burton was working in the basement of Telford Hall when a large piece of equipment broke loose and fell on him, resulting in his death. Emergency responders pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Eastern Kentucky University issued a statement following the tragedy:
“We are saddened to confirm that a contractor performing work on our Richmond campus was involved in a fatal incident today. Our thoughts are with the individual’s family, friends, and colleagues. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation into the cause of death, we will not have additional information.”
The accident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine how the equipment failure occurred. EKU officials have not provided further details about the type of work being performed.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.