A routine underground drilling job in Volusia County turned deadly on March 17 when a heavy tool struck a crew member in the head at the intersection of State Road 415 and Pioneer Trail. The worker, identified as 61-year-old Orlando resident Lea Marshall Brunson, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe head trauma.
According to investigators, Brunson had been replacing a drill head when things went catastrophically wrong. Emergency crews rushed to the worksite, but the damage was already done. Officials say the blow was so forceful it dented his hard hat.
How Investigators Say the Fatal Blow Happened
Investigators with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office determined that a build-up of torque caused the drill shank to rotate unexpectedly. That sudden movement broke a chain wrench loose, sending it flying into Brunson’s head.
Deputies say Brunson was wearing required protective gear, including a hard hat, but the impact still proved fatal. The contractor on the job has not been publicly identified, and deputies have not released additional details about the specific operation that was underway…