Highway Patrol, Department of Labor and Industry to investigate death of county employee
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 3 months AGO
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | July 5, 2022 3:40 PM
A longtime Flathead County Solid Waste District employee died after a July 2 vehicle accident on Disposal Road left him with grievous injuries.
Jeff Kruckenberg, a 25 year employee of the Solid Waste District, was traveling toward U.S. 93 about 7:03 a.m. in his personal vehicle when the crash occurred, according to a press release issued by the county. Officials described it as a single vehicle accident.
On the advice of Dave Prunty, public works director, county commissioners closed the landfill and container sites that same day. Officials said the move came out of concern for the wellbeing of staff.
“I’d like to send my deepest sympathies to the family,” said Commissioner Brad Abell in a statement, “he was a valued employee.”
The waste facilities were reopened July 3.
Troopers with the Montana Highway Patrol are investigating the crash, officials said. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry also is expected to launch an investigation as well.
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