Authorities ID Victims in Western Michigan Trench Collapse
WYOMING, Mich. (AP) — Authorities have identified the man killed in a trench collapse in western Michigan and say the man who was rescued was his father.
Wyoming firefighters said Tuesday the collapse killed 30-year-old Christopher James Godfrey, who was completely buried by dirt.
Firefighters rescued 53-year-old Russell Godfrey, who was buried up to his waist Monday and hospitalized after being extricated.
Firefighters say the two were working in the trench to replace a home’s backed up sewer line.
Grand Rapids Fire Department Technical Rescue Team Battalion Chief Collin Kelly says the trench was 8-10 feet deep with no reinforcement on the sidewalls. Kelly estimated the son’s head was about 6 feet below the surface.
Wyoming is a southern suburb of Grand Rapids.
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