City Employee Dies Following Lawn Mower Incident in River at Oakdale Park

Emergency crews responded shortly before noon Tuesday after a zero-turn lawn mower was found in the river with a person reportedly trapped underneath.

A City of Salina employee died Tuesday following an incident involving a zero-turn lawn mower in the river at Oakdale Park.

The Salina Fire Department was dispatched shortly before noon Tuesday, Aug. 4, for a reported water rescue. Emergency responders were told that a city employee operating a zero-turn mower had been found in the river and that a person might be trapped beneath the equipment.

When firefighters arrived, officers with the Salina Police Department had removed the employee from beneath the mower and out of the river.

Salina Fire Department personnel immediately began advanced life-support measures at the scene.

The employee was transported by the fire department to Salina Regional Health Center, where the individual was pronounced dead.

The City of Salina extended condolences to the employee’s family, friends and co-workers.

“We also recognize the seriousness of this event and the impact it has on everyone involved,” the city said in a statement.

The employee’s name and additional details about how the mower entered the river have not been released.

The city said additional information will be provided when appropriate.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.