Painter electrocuted in Hillsboro
Staff writer
Painter Tim Cleveland of Pittsburg died May 6 after contacting a high-voltage power line while working outside Hillsboro Hardware.
Cleveland was in a bucket truck when he touched a high-voltage power line and fell from the bucket, county ambulance director Mickey Price said.
Price said Cleveland fell about 30 feet and suffered severe traumatic injuries and burns.
Ambulance crews were dispatched at 1:43 p.m. and arrived at 1:48 p.m. Crews initially could not reach Cleveland until power was shut off and the scene was secured.
A helicopter ambulance based in Emporia was launched after Cleveland, Price said. Ambulance crews initially planned to meet the helicopter at Hillsboro Community Hospital, but Cleveland went into cardiac arrest during transport anddied at the hospital.
Hillsboro firefighters and police also responded.
Rumors that Cleveland was a city worker were incorrect, city administrator Michael Webb said.
“Our crews weren’t even present at the time,” Webb said. “It’s certainly a very unfortunate situation.”
Hillsboro Hardware recently changed ownership. New owners Waters Hardware has updating the building.
Rusty Gerkin, who owns Waters Hardware, said Cleveland had subcontracted to paint his stores for about eight years.
“It’s devastating to us,” Gerkin said. “I’ve known him for about five or six years.”