Indiana truck driver Bruce Vernon, who fell hundreds of feet to his death, has been classified as a long-time employee
News
The department said Bruce Vernon was driving the dump truck next to a cliff when it went over the edge.
WDRB
An Indiana dump truck driver who fell to his death in a water-filled quarry pit last week has been identified by officials as a longtime employee at the work site and a dedicated family man.
Bruce Vernon, 69, was identified as the victim in Tuesday’s tragic accident by the Crawford County coroner’s office, WDRB reported.
His death was ruled an accident after the truck he was riding in fell hundreds of feet when it slid off the edge of the quarry at Mulzer Crushed Stone where he had been a worker for 25 years, according to a heartfelt obituary.
“He would come to work about an hour early just to joke around and have a good time with the people he worked with,” the obituary said. “Bruce loved his grandchildren and spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed spending time reading and watching old western movies.
Vernon, of Valennie, Ind., was also a former employee of the Crawford County Police Department and a member of Cross Roads Church of Christ, according to an online tribute.
“He was an avid (Indiana University) sports fan who enjoyed teaching his three sons sports and chewing tobacco,” the obituary said.
He graduated from Pauley High School in Indiana and then from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
He is survived by his wife, three children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said in a press release that after Vernon’s truck fell into the hole, first responders rushed to the scene, but they had difficulty reaching the huge underwater truck due to the rugged terrain.
His body was later recovered from the truck on Wednesday afternoon.
