Gaffney, South Carolina — What should have been the beginning of a new chapter for a 32-year-old sanitation worker ended in tragedy Monday when he fell from a garbage truck during his first day on the job.
The worker, identified as John Derrick Dover of Gaffney, was working for Cherokee County’s Solid Waste Department when the fatal incident occurred on Aug. 17.
According to the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, Dover was one of two employees riding on the rear platform of a garbage collection truck while workers emptied roll-out carts.
The truck was being driven by Dover’s father, making the circumstances of the tragedy especially devastating for the family.
Dover Fell From Truck While It Was Turning
Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said the incident happened at approximately 1:50 p.m. The garbage truck was turning onto Hayes Road when Dover fell from the vehicle onto the pavement below.
Emergency responders transported him to Spartanburg Medical Center for treatment. Despite efforts to save him, Dover died at approximately 3:26 p.m. local time, just over an hour after the accident.
Authorities have not released additional details explaining exactly how Dover fell from the truck.
Coroner Calls Death a “Most Tragic Incident”
Coroner Dennis Fowler emphasized the devastating circumstances surrounding Dover’s death in a statement.
“This is a most tragic incident as it was Dover’s first day on the job,” Fowler said. “What’s even worse, the truck was being driven by his father. Our hearts and prayers are with this family.”
The coroner’s office said an autopsy will be performed as part of the investigation into Dover’s death. Officials have not announced a final cause of death while the investigation remains ongoing.
The autopsy is expected to help investigators better understand the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall.
Cherokee County Mourns Employee’s Death
Cherokee County officials confirmed Dover’s death in a statement shared Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The county described his death as a “heartbreaking loss for our community” and said its thoughts and prayers were with his family, friends and coworkers.
Officials identified Dover as a new employee in the Cherokee County Solid Waste Department.
They also stressed that investigators were still gathering facts and that the county wanted to make sure any information released about the incident was accurate.
“The County will provide updates as soon as confirmed information becomes available,” officials said.
Investigation Continues Into Fatal Garbage Truck Fall
Because the incident happened during Dover’s first day of employment, authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the fall as part of their investigation.
At this stage, officials have not provided further information about what caused Dover to fall from the rear platform or whether any mechanical or operational issues were involved.
The investigation will also help establish a clearer timeline of what happened between the truck’s turn onto Hayes Road and Dover’s arrival at the hospital.
For his family, however, the loss has already created an unimaginable tragedy. Dover had reportedly just begun his new job when the accident claimed his life, and his father was behind the wheel when it happened.
The county said it would release additional information when confirmed details become available while asking the community to respect Dover’s family and loved ones during the difficult time.
John Dover’s death has left his family, coworkers and the wider Cherokee County community mourning a devastating loss. What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking tragedy? Share your condolences and reactions in the comments below.
