KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Families and friends of a 35-year-old man are mourning his sudden death on Monday in a tree-trimming accident.
Carlos Gomez was a devoted husband and a caring father of four children, his wife told FOX 4 in an interview the day after his death.
Early Monday morning, Carlos was strapped in a tree at a residence near North Rock Garden Rd. and Highway 9. He was approximately 35 feet high and trying to get to a limb, when a metal strap on his body hit a live wire, electrocuting him.
“It just happened so fast, like seconds,” said Javier Sontay, a co-worker who witnessed the accident. “He was a really nice guy.”
Ingrid Gomez was married to Carlos for fourteen years. Together they have four children, ages 2, 3, 11, and 13.
He worked hard for the family and was generous with his affection.
“He worked hard. He fixed this house,” she said.
About a week ago, Carlos gave her a chunk of wood with the words, ‘I love Ingrid’ carved into it. Last weekend he gave her a tall bouquet of lilies.
“We saw these flowers in one place and I said, ‘Ah, these are so beautiful,’ and he send me these flowers,” she remembered.
Ingrid and Carlos got married on Valentine’s Day fourteen years ago and losing him is heartbreaking.
“I’m feeling very sad,” she stated simply.
Ingrid said she was home when one of Carlos’ co-workers called her and told her what had happened.
Carlos worked for Eli’s Tree Service in Independence and was on the job in Parkville when the accident happened.
“He loved his job,” said Carlos’ nephew, Oscar Gomez. “You know he loved his job because he only sustained for his family.”
Oscar Gomez said Carlos’ family was his purpose and said Carlos set a good example.
“He showed me a lot, how to work,” Oscar said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident.
