Construction worker killed near Dateland

A construction worker in his early to mid-20s was killed Thursday at construction site near Dateland after being run over by a road-grading machine.

“He was doing his job as a grade checker, setting up stakes, and the grader did not see him and accidentally backed over him,” said Tri-Valley paramedic Barry Adams.

While he did not know the specific name of the project, Adams said the work being done at the site was in preperation for the construction of a solar power plant.

Units from the Yuma County Sheriff's Office and a basic life support unit from Tri-Valley Ambulance arrived on scene first, along with units from the Tacna Fire Department. The site is located about 65 miles east of Yuma near Dateland and Hyder.

Tri-Valley Ambulance also responded with a paramedic unit from Wellton.

Adams said the basic life support unit began CPR and attached an automated external defibrillator to the patient, who was unresponsive and not breathing on his own.

CPR was administered until the arrival of the paramedic unit from Wellton.

Once the paramedic unit from Tri-Valley arrived, the paramedic initiated an assessment of the patient and attached a cardiac monitor to the patient.

The paramedic on scene later declared the victim dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.

Capt. Eben Bratcher said the Yuma County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.