(WWJ) Eastpointe Police and Fire have identified the city worker who died in a trench collapse.
Crews were working on a water main break along Gratiot Ave. at Hayes Rd. Wednesday evening when the Department of Public Works employee Brian Theobald, 45, became trapped in a hole that was about ten feet deep.
Deputy Fire Chief Nick Sage said it took about ten minutes to free Theobald. He was rushed by EMS to St. John Hospital where he died of his injuries.
Officials said Theobald had worked for the city for 13 years.
"He was one of our best workers, just like any worker for the City of Eastpointe," Eastpointe Mayor Monique Owens told the Macomb Daily. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time."
Rain had been falling throughout the day, making the work site muddy.
State inspectors will be checking the site and conducting an investigation.
"I extend my deepest sympathies to the Theobald family and Brian's Eastpointe family," City Manager Elke Doom wrote in a statement on Facebook. "Brian died serving the citizens of Eastpointe and will always be remembered."
Theobald is survived by his wife and two children.
