A 21-year-old woman, Alyssa Drinkard, tragically lost her life in a workplace accident at a Club Car facility in Evans, Georgia, authorities confirmed.
Drinkard, a line worker at the plant, was fatally injured while attempting to retrieve a dropped AirPod under a conveyor belt during her shift last Friday night.
Georgia Worker Killed in Conveyor Mishap
An incident report from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office detailed the events of the accident, which took place around 9:45 p.m., The incident was witnessed by fellow worker Fae'Zsha Smith, who provided a firsthand account to authorities.
According to the witness' account, Drinkard became entangled in the moving chain mechanism of the conveyor while reaching for the AirPod. Before the tragic accident, Drinkard mentioned to Smith about dropping an AirPod under the conveyor.
Smith assured Drinkard she'd retrieve it once it's safe to do so. Shortly after, she saw Drinkard's arm trapped in the machine as she reached for the AirPod, resulting in a severe injury with significant bleeding. Despite efforts by Smith and others to free her, Drinkard remained trapped until emergency services arrived.
Upon halting the machine's operation, workers promptly initiated its disassembly and contacted emergency services via 911. Shortly thereafter, a deputy, accompanied by emergency medical crews and firefighters, arrived on site.
Emergency responders were able to extract Drinkard from the machinery by cutting the metal frame surrounding the conveyor. Drinkard succumbed to her injuries later at the hospital.
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Club Car Offers Condolences; Witness Traumatized
Club Car, the manufacturer of golf carts and other vehicles, confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to Drinkard's family and friends. The company stated that they are cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the accident.
"Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with the family, friends and all impacted by this loss," Club Car said in a statement. "We are working with authorities and the contractor in an investigation to determine the facts about what led to the incident,"
Smith expressed that she struggles to shake off the memory of the accident. She expressed uncertainty about returning to work due to safety concerns.
"I'm kind of traumatized from seeing her that way." Smith said.
Drinkard was described as a quiet yet well-liked colleague who had been with the company for about a year.
The authorities are still conducting an investigation into the incident.
