ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 23, 1995 TAG: 9512270064
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE AND BETTY HAYDEN STAFF WRITERS
It was Alfred Mason Cumbee's turn to rappel down an embankment to cut some brush, so he tied a rope around his waist and waited for his spotter to grab the end Thursday afternoon.
But before his partner could take his place, the 62-year-old Bartlett Tree Experts employee had become the victim of what one worker called a "freak accident."
A tractor pulling an industrial mower ran over Cumbee's rope. The mower reeled the rope in and Cumbee with it, according to an employee at the scene who asked to remain anonymous.
Cumbee was thrown against the tractor cab's steel cage and died
The employee said the tractor driver didn't see the rope, but he said the tractor probably shouldn't have been so close to the workers because the mower can kick out rocks and other debris.
About 10 Bartlett employees were clearing brush from a piece of Lynchburg Foundry Co. property in Radford when the accident happened between 2 and 2:30 p.m.
Radford police would not release specific information about the accident.
Cumbee was pronounced dead on arrival at Radford Community Hospital.
Capt. Gary Harmon said Radford police have found no foul play.
He said he was reluctant to provide further information because the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident.
OSHA's offices were closed Friday for the holidays.
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines KEYWORDS: FATLITYby CNB