One killed, another injured in two separate workplace incidents
Jun 21, 2022, 7:20 PM | Updated: Jun 23, 2022, 6:13 pm
UPDATE: The victim was identified Wednesday as 69-year-old William Dwaine Kossman.
Additional details were also released about the two incidents.
“On June 21, a Utah State Parks law enforcement ranger was called to assist in the investigation of an off-highway vehicle accident that had occurred that afternoon near Promontory Road. While the ranger was responding to the area, at about 1:40 p.m., he received a second call to assist at another ongoing OHV accident approximately a half-mile away from the first accident’s location,” a press release from Utah State Parks stated.
It was confirmed again in the release that both people were seasonal employees for Box Elder County’s Weed Control Department.
The release went on to say the employee involved in the first incident was airlifted to Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
The second individual, identified as 69-year-old William Dwaine Kossman, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Neither of the two are believed to have been wearing helmets at the time of the accidents,” the release stated.
Kossman’s family released a statement about his passing Thursday:
We can’t come up with enough words to describe William Dwaine Kossman, affectionately known as Frenchy. His hands were always full. Whether he was bringing you something, fixing something, or adding his personal touch. He will be extremely missed by all who knew him.
Box Elder County officials said Kossman started as a seasonal worker in their Weed Control Department in spring of 2020, and was working his third season with the county.
“He assisted in roadside weed spraying as well as working as a sprayer on the Rush Skeleton crew.”
On the day of the accident, county officials said, “The Weed Spraying Crew was working on spraying Rush Skeleton which is a noxious, invasive weed that destroys native plants and foliage in grazing areas.”
Funeral services have been scheduled for Monday, June 27, in Honeyville.
William “Frenchy” Kossman (right) died Tuesday in Box Elder County. (Courtesy: The Kossman family)
“With the weather warming up and more people headed outside, Utah State Parks would like to remind everyone that while Utah’s outdoors are beautiful places to explore, safety needs to be a top priority. Always recreate with a buddy, wear your helmets, ride within your ability, and always let somebody know where you are going and when to expect your return. To learn more about Utah’s state parks, safety tips, and laws and rules, visit stateparks.utah.gov,” Wednesday’s release concluded.
BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah — One seasonal employee in Box Elder County died and another was injured Tuesday following two separate worksite incidents in the Promontory area.
In the first incident, a worker sustained a serious injury, according to Box Elder County officials, and was transported to the hospital, where the individual is reported to be in stable condition.
In the second incident, which immediately followed the first, a worker died on site.
“Box Elder County is cooperating with Utah State Parks and the Utah Occupational Safety and Health Division as they work on the investigation,” stated a press release Tuesday evening from Box Elder County.
Officials said both employees were seasonal workers for the Weed Control Department, and that both incidents occurred while the employees were working.
“Our first concern is for the employees and their families. Our hearts are with them in the face of this terrible tragedy,” said Anne K. Hansen, a representative for Box Elder County.
Additional details, including the employees’ names, were not immediately available.
