Drill crew member fatally injured in worksite accident

Date Added: March 18, 2026 11:20 am

A member of an underground drilling crew was fatally injured in a worksite accident yesterday at SR 415 and Pioneer Trail.

The 61-year-old male victim was replacing a drill head Tuesday afternoon when the accident occurred. The initial investigation indicates the drill shank rotated due to torque build-up, causing the chain wrench to break free and strike the worker in the head.

The victim was wearing a hard hat, but the force of the strike dented the hard hat and caused fatal injuries.

The Sheriff's Office sends sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, identified as Lea Marshall Brunson, 61, Orlando. OSHA was notified of the incident and responded to conduct its investigation.