A Golden Triangle Waste Services employee was killed Wednesday after he was attacked by a dog, fell from his truck and was run over.
Jonirus Qudrake Davis, 31, was on the back of a truck collecting garbage on Hanson Drive, a neighborhood near the Alabama line, Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant told The Dispatch. Merchant said the garbage truck was backing to the end of the road before beginning collection to avoid difficulties turning around.
At least one dog ran toward the truck to attack Davis, who fell off the back, Merchant said. The driver didn’t realize Davis had fallen and backed over him with the garbage truck at about 10 mph.
“It all happened in less than 15 seconds,” Merchant said.
All GTWS trucks are equipped with cameras, Merchant said, but the driver was looking in the mirror to aid driving in reverse when Davis fell.
Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office animal control officers seized two dogs after responding, Merchant said. The incident is being investigated.
In a Facebook post, GTWS acknowledged the loss.
“If you are the praying type please stop and pray for our employees,” the post reads. “We lost a very loved and hard working employee today on the job. Please also pray for his family and children.”
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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