A 58-year-old Fairfax man, Thomas Feerick, died following a tragic workplace accident Thursday at the Casella Waste Systems landfill in Coventry, Vermont.
According to the Vermont State Police, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:40 a.m. to the landfill located at 21 Landfill Lane after receiving a report of an unconscious man.
The victim was identified as Thomas Feerick, 58, of Fairfax. He was transported by Newport EMS to North Country Hospital, where medical personnel attempted life-saving measures. Despite those efforts, Feerick was pronounced dead later Thursday morning.
Investigators said Feerick had been working as a subcontractor at the landfill and was operating an aerial lift while removing a section of fencing. Authorities said the lift tipped over a small embankment, causing Feerick to be ejected from the platform when it struck the ground or shortly before impact.
Police said Feerick was not wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident. Nearby contractors quickly responded, provided assistance, and called 911.
Authorities said evidence collected during the investigation indicates the incident was accidental and that the death is not considered suspicious.
Feerick’s body was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the workplace accident.
