A South Carolina family is reeling from an unimaginable tragedy after a 32-year-old man died on his very first day at a new job — after falling from a garbage truck being driven by his own father.
John Derrick Dover, of Gaffney, was working with the Cherokee County Solid Waste Department on Monday, Aug. 17, when the horrifying accident unfolded.
Dover was one of two workers riding on the rear platform of a sanitation truck as crews emptied residential garbage carts, Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said.
At around 1:50 p.m., the truck was turning onto Hayes Road when Dover suddenly fell from the back of the vehicle and slammed onto the pavement.
He was rushed to Spartanburg Medical Center, but doctors were unable to save him.
Dover was pronounced dead at 3:26 p.m.
Making the tragedy even more devastating, officials revealed that it was Dover’s first day on the job — and his father was behind the wheel of the truck.
“This is a most tragic incident as it was Dover’s first day on the job,” Fowler said. “What’s even worse, the truck was being driven by his father. Our hearts and prayers are with this family.”
Officials have not yet released additional details about exactly how Dover fell or what injuries caused his death.
An autopsy is expected to be performed as the coroner continues investigating the fatal accident.
Cherokee County officials confirmed Dover’s death in a somber statement Tuesday, calling it a “heartbreaking loss” for the entire community.
“Cherokee County is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our employees, who passed away yesterday afternoon,” officials said.
The county said Dover had only just joined the Solid Waste Department and that investigators were still gathering information surrounding the accident.
Officials said they wanted to make sure any additional details released were accurate out of respect for Dover’s family and loved ones.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew John and to those mourning his passing,” the county said.
The investigation into the tragic first-day accident remains ongoing.
