An Itta Bena man who died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a fall from an industrial lift at his Indianola workplace had a history of seizures.
Tavares Williams died when he fell about 18 feet from the top of a scissor lift, also known as a “manlift,” at Supervalu’s grocery distribution center.
Williams, who marked his 29th birthday on the day of the accident, had worked at the company for more than a year.
The Enterprise-Tocsin newspaper of Indianola reported that the city’s police chief, Richard O’Bannon, said that Williams had a history of seizures, according to interviews authorities had with family members.
Williams’ mother, Lora Williams, confirmed this morning that her son suffered from seizures, adding, “He had one at work back in March.”
She said she didn’t want to speculate if her son’s seizures were in any way related to the fatal accident until after the results of the autopsy are released.
She told the Commonwealth Wednesday that her son had earlier said that he was nervous being up on the lift and felt he had not been properly trained.
Sunflower County Coroner Heather Burton could not be reached this morning regarding the autopsy.
O’Bannon reported to the Indianola paper that no one witnessed Williams fall off the fully extended manlift.
Williams was wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident, the police chief said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting an investigation into the accident.
Lora Williams said this morning that the body of her son, who was an engaged father of four, has been released to the family.
Byas Mortuary of Greenwood is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
