Worker dies in trench collapse
Scene of trench collapse at Big D’s Diner and Country Store, on 64/90 West in the Ellendale Community.
(Updated May 20, 2021, 12:03 p.m.)
A construction worker was killed Wednesday, May 19, 2021, when a trench, dug in the parking lot of Big D’s Diner and Country Store, collapsed. The diner is located at 4500 Hwy. 64/90 West, in the Ellendale Community.
At approximately 1:50 PM, a call came into Alexander County Communications in reference to a possible trench rescue at a business located on NC Hwy 64/90 West in the Ellendale Community of Alexander County.
Sheriff Chris Bowman stated that units from Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department arrived a few minutes after the call was given out.
Firemen found that dirt and asphalt had fallen onto an individual inside a trench that was approximately 10 feet deep. The firemen and volunteers were able to free the individual from the trench. CPR was administered immediately but was unsuccessful. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The individual who died was identified as Shane Anthony Sharpe, W/M, age 38 of Taylorsville.
Departments that responded to the scene included: Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department, Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Alexander County Rescue Squad, Alexander County EMS, Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office, Alexander County Emergency Management, North Carolina Department of Labor, and North Carolina Department of Transportation.
A portion of NC Hwy 64/90 West near the scene was closed on May 19, 2021. Traffic was re-routed through Ellendale Fire Department Road. This portion of NC Hwy 64/90 West was reopened at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Sheriff Bowman would like to thank all departments and agencies that responded to the scene.
Anthony was a good guy and loved every one. Fly high son and walk the streets of gold with Jesus