The plumbing contractor who died after he fell into a 12-foot trench and was buried by eight feet of dirt was identified today as Erick Hernandez of Aurora, according to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner.
His death was ruled as an accident, from asphyxia, according to a statement.
The man was working on a sewer line at 770 Grant St. in Denver when the trench collapsed. He was buried for about 20 minutes, according to Denver Fire Department spokesman Phil Champagne.
Hernandez was working on a ladder when he dropped a shovel in the trench. When he tried to retrieve it the dirt collapsed and buried him, Champagne said.
He was the only person in the trench at the time and there was no trench box or shield against the walls of dirt being used.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate the incident.
Staff writer Sara Crocker can be reached at 303-954-1661 or at scrocker@denverpost.com
