Bulldozer Operator Dies In Freak Accident In Glen Ellen

SONOMA (CBS SF) -- Sonoma County Sheriff's Department is investigating a tractor death from Friday evening, a sheriff's sergeant said.

Deputies responded to a reported death from a tractor accident in the 12100 block of Henno Road in Glen Ellen around 6 p.m., Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

Deputies learned that the property owner hired a contractor to move dirt into a pond, he said.

The contractor was driving a large bulldozer tractor without wearing a seat belt when the vehicle's front scraper hit the ground while going downhill, throwing the man out of his seat, Crum said.

An employee in the area witnessed the accident, according to Crum.

The victim was identified as a 38-year-old self-employed independent contractor from Oakland, Crum said. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The California Department of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the case as a work-related death.

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