Man Dies in Logging Accident (Photo)

ASHLAND, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies say a man died Wednesday in an accident at a logging site south of Ashland.  Russell Gilbert Elder, 89, of Trail, died after the heavy equipment he was operating rolled over. 

On October 23, 2019, at 2:33 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call reporting an injury at a logging site.  The location was in private timber land approximately two miles southeast of Interstate 5, exit 6.  The caller reported a possible rollover involving heavy machinery. 

Deputies responded with medical personnel from Fire District 5 and Ashland Fire & Rescue.  Elder was pronounced dead at the scene.   

Deputies learned Elder had been operating a skid-steer loader, which overturned on a slope.  A detective with the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to investigate the cause and manner of death.  Elder’s family has been notified of his death. 

Elder was reportedly employed by Farmer Logging.  The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) was notified of the incident, a standard procedure when a death occurs in the workplace.  

Case #19-22461

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