Man Killed Working Underneath Tractor Trailer in Spotsylvania

FREDERICKSBURG, VA -- A man working underneath a tractor trailer on Friday was killed after the driver moved the truck, unaware that the mechanic had started working under the trailer, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

John Patterson, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene.

At 1:20 p.m. first responders were called to the business park at 8509 Jefferson Davis Highway.

The driver of the rig, 48, had spoken with Patterson about a mechanical issue with the truck. The driver had returned to the rig and climbed into the cab to move to a different spot in the parking lot, unaware Patterson had begun working on the issue, according to a sheriff's office release.

The victim was run over by the rear wheels of the trailer. A preliminary investigation suggests the incident was a tragic accident, according to the sheriff's office.

Image via Shutterstock