JACKSONVILLE, FL – A tragic incident unfolded on Driftwood Hills Drive Friday morning, leaving a community in shock and mourning. A 22-year-old sanitation worker was killed in a devastating accident while performing his duties in a Jacksonville neighborhood.
Residents were startled by the sudden commotion as police and emergency vehicles flooded the normally quiet streets. “I looked out my son’s window and saw the road blocked off,” recounted a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath. “I could tell something terrible had happened.”
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the young worker was attempting to jump onto the back of a garbage truck while it was reversing. In a tragic turn of events, he slipped and fell under the rear wheel of the truck. The accident occurred as the vehicle was making room for another trash truck on the narrow street.
Neighbors expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the loss. Many had never experienced such a tragedy in their community. One resident, who attempted to administer CPR to the worker, shared, “By the time I got there, it was too late. It’s heartbreaking.”
Ashleigh Bryant, a resident of Driftwood Hills Drive, was at home when the accident occurred. She expressed her grief and guilt, saying, “I feel even worse because it was our trash he was picking up. It’s been a tough day, filled with sadness and what-ifs.”
The incident has left a profound impact on the community, especially as it happened during the holiday season. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family,” another neighbor said. “It’s a terrible thing to happen, and especially hard during this time of year.”
As the neighborhood processes the tragic event, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the accident. The community is left grappling with the loss and the stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who work tirelessly to maintain the city’s cleanliness.
Residents are now coming together to support the worker’s family, hoping to provide some comfort in their time of need. The tragedy has highlighted the risks sanitation workers face daily and the importance of safety measures in their line of work.