A tragic workplace accident Friday evening claimed the life of a man from neighboring West Liberty, according to authorities in Johnson County.
Officials say 48-year-old Jonathon Brown, who had been contracted by Foothills Communications, died following a reported electrocution incident near the company’s location along Kentucky Route 40 in Paintsville.
According to information released by the Johnson County Coroner’s Office, Brown was reportedly operating a telescopic lift and pressure washing near active power lines when the incident occurred around 6:40 p.m. Investigators are working to determine exactly what happened, including whether the lift bucket may have come into contact with the lines or whether Brown fell during the incident.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, and a portion of KY Route 40 was temporarily shut down while authorities conducted their investigation.
Brown’s death has especially resonated across Eastern Kentucky due to his ties to nearby West Liberty, located just one county away from the Morehead area. Many in the region are familiar with the dangers faced daily by utility, communications, and maintenance workers who often perform jobs in hazardous conditions around high-voltage equipment.
Authorities said Brown’s body was transported to Frankfort for an autopsy.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.