Utility worker dies attempting to restore power following storm, authorities say

CURRY COUNTY, N.M. (KFDA/Gray News) - A utility worker died Friday in New Mexico after being electrocuted while attempting to repair a utility pole.

According to the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff’s deputies, along with the Clovis Fire Department, responded to a rural area near Curry Road 7 for a reported industrial accident.

When crews arrived, rescuers said the employee was found in several feet of standing water, and they began rendering aid.

The Farmer’s Electric Cooperative worker was transported by ambulance to Plains Regional Medical Center, but he did not survive his injuries.

Officials identified the employee as lineman Ian Massey of Clovis.

Authorities said the utility pole Massey was working on was leaning following recent heavy rainfall in the area and unexpectedly fell into the standing water where he had been working, causing the lineman to come into contact with electricity.

No further immediate information was released.