Fruitland, MD – An 81-year-old man was killed Tuesday after the excavator he was operating was found submerged in a pond on a Fruitland property.
Deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene shortly after noon at 700 Slab Ridge Road following reports of an industrial accident.
Authorities identified the victim as Paul Wayne Jones, who had been using the excavator before it went into the 40-foot pond.
Excavator discovered underwater by dive team
The property owner told investigators he was unaware Jones had been working on the site that day. After spotting Jones’s vehicle and failing to find him nearby, the owner contacted law enforcement. Deputies began a search of the property but were unable to locate Jones.
Members of the Salisbury Fire Department Dive Team were called in and located the excavator submerged in the pond with Jones still inside.
Victim airlifted, later pronounced dead
Rescuers removed Jones from the water and he was flown to Shock Trauma, where he was pronounced deceased. Investigators have not determined how the excavator entered the pond or what events led to the fatal incident.
The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
An 81-year-old man died after his excavator was discovered submerged in a pond on a Fruitland property.
