James Rayburn dies in fatal Rome, Georgia trench collapse
Fatal Rome, Georgia trench collapse death of James Rayburn – Obituary.
Two employees from the City of Rome Public Works water and sewer department were caught in a trench collapse late Thursday night near Shorter Avenue and Coosawattee Avenue, with one losing his life.
John Boyd, Director of the Rome Water and Sewer Division, reported that the collapse happened during the second evening of construction work for a new sewer system meant for a business opening in Rome.
Around midnight, rescue teams, including a heavy rescue unit and the GSAR Search and Rescue Task Force 6, responded to the site. Both workers were trapped beneath the debris for several hours before being extricated.
Officials confirmed that 55-year-old James Rayburn succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at 2:35 a.m. on Friday. His remains have been sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for an autopsy.