11-26-19 Veteran passes away from burn injuries following yard work incident

A disabled Army veteran trying to help a friend with some yard work has passed away from his injuries following a terrible accident that left him with serious burns.

It happened around 1:45 PM Monday (11/25) behind a home in the 3000 block of Wheeler Avenue.

The victim, 57, was trying to burn a very large stump in his neighbor’s backyard using a mixture of oil and gasoline.

His neighbor heard a loud boom when the container exploded and as flames blew back onto the victim, he suffered burns to his entire body.

His neighbor rushed to his aid and pulled off the man’s burning clothes in an effort to minimize his injuries and called 911.

He was rushed to Erlanger Hospital and then airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Burn Center where he passed away.

CPD and Hamilton County EMS assisted CFD on the scene.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time. He was well-known in his neighborhood for always being willing to help others in the community.