Man dies in Healdsburg accident, helping move fallen power pole

The pole had fallen across a pickup truck and the man was helping move it to the ground, according to authorities.|
RANDI ROSSMANN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A 25-year-old man died Monday evening at a Healdsburg-area home while helping move a toppled power pole when he tripped and the pole fell on top of him, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

Thomas Joseph Klaus of Windsor was at a Youngs Road home about ?6:15 p.m. when the accident occurred, Sheriff’s Sgt. Spencer Crum said Tuesday.

Crum said the man was helping his girlfriend’s parents with the pole, which had landed across the lumber rack of her father’s truck.

The accident occurred as they lifted the raised end of the pole and he tripped.

The family called for help and flagged a passing Cal Fire firefighting crew but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Marshall Turbeville responded to the call. He said the pole appeared to be one used inside the property and not a public utility pole.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 707-521-5412.

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