OTSEGO — The state Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau is investigating the death of a Central Region member who was killed on the job by a fallen tree.
Adam Burgess, 27, a Town of Otsego Highway Unit member, was working on Nov. 23, 2015, as part of a crew that was clearing trees and brush from a local road when a tree struck him on the head.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he died a short time later.
CSEA Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Josh Kemp was among those who initially investigated Burgess’ death. He noted numerous safety violations and is expecting PESH to issue citations.
Burgess had been recently engaged and was planning to marry later this year. He also leaves his parents.
According to local media reports, Burgess’ death deeply affected his community, in which he had played an active role.
He had served as a firefighter for the Mount Vision Fire Department since age 16, most recently as assistant fire chief.
The Cooperstown Crier had recently reported that in the aftermath of Burgess’ death, his loved ones and neighbors have been leading efforts to raise money to build a new fire station for the Mount Vision Fire Department, including setting up an online fund-raising page at YouCaring.com.
Burgess had been dedicated to seeing the new station completed. “Adam was a bright, funny, kind individual who has touched so many lives,” noted the project’s fund-raising page. “He was the kind of man who would drop everything to run to the station if they were toned out. Adam cared about saving lives and loved what he did. His devotion to the fire department was far beyond imaginable.”
To learn more or to help, visit the page at www.youcaring.com/mount-vision-fire-department-480869.
