Greenbrier Man Dies In Farming Accident Tuesday
GREENBRIER TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – A Greenbrier area man has died in what officials are calling a farming accident.
The property is located on the 2000 block of Osborne Rd not far from Hall rd. MAP
UPDATE: Officials have now released the name of the victim, he is identified as 70 year old Jack Torkelson of Greenbrier.
According to Robertson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ryan Martin, “Mr. Torkelson died as a result of a finishing mower falling on him that he was working underneath. The sheriff’s office has ruled his death accidental. Please keep Mr. Torkelson’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The initial call came in to 911 just before 7pm Tuesday evening. According to 911 radio traffic, the timing of the accident was unknown.
According to Fire Chief Joe Williams with the White House Community Volunteer Fire Department, “It appears that the gentleman was working and repairing a three point hitch finishing mower also called a grooming mower.
“Using a high-lift-jack, the gentleman had crawled up underneath the mower to remove a blade or replace a spindle. At some point the jack failed and the 1200 lbs mowing deck landed on top of the man’s chest. Airbags were used to lift the mower and free the man but it was to late.”
Chief Williams, who has a farming background himself, told Smokey Barn News that hundreds of people are killed each year in farming equipment related accidents. Even with the safety measures, a lot of machines flip over on people. Williams recommends extreme caution when using or repairing farm equipment.
Robertson County EMS Assistant Director Russell Gupton released the following statement regarding the accident: “Robertson County EMS along with the Robertson County Sheriffs Office and the White House Community Volunteer Fire Department responded to a location on Osborne Road in the Greenbrier community. A male in his 70s died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in a farming accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this difficult time.”
According to his on-line obituary, Mr Torkelson was born in Noble, IN on January 9, 1947. He was a member of the American Chestnut Foundation and the Tennessee Native Plant Society. He loved tinkering on various projects, some complete and some not so much. A favorite was the nature center with a fire pit which he had built by the pond which he also constructed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Chestnut Foundation, 50 Merrimon Ave, Suite 115, Asheville, NC 28804 or the Ridgetop Adventist Elementary School, P.O. Box 829, Ridgetop, TN 37152.
The family will receive friends 3:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Ridgetop Seventh Day Adventist Church. A Memorial Service will follow at 4:00 pm at the church.
Smokey Barn News would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Torkelson as they face the days and weeks ahead.
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