LAWRENCE, Kan. — A 54-year-old Lawrence man was killed Friday morning as he worked to repair guttering on one of Lawrence’s oldest buildings, located at 9th and Rhode Island.
Investigators suspect Thomas Sheppard got too close to the power lines as he was working on the Turnhalle buuilding in East Lawrence.
A fellow worker, identified only as a 56-year-old man, was also at the scene, and made the 911 call. when he noticed his co-worker on the ground
Sheppard was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after first responders from the police and fire departments arrived at about 8 a.m.
“The gentleman somehow, with the guttering, came into contact with the electrical lines and he was electrocuted,” said Gina Penzig, Westar Energy.
Westar is also investigating. A spokesperson for the company said the lines should have been covered if the men were working on the building, but says no one notified them of the project.
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