A Georgia town is mourning the death of a veteran lineman who died in a workplace accident.
Eric Weems died Wednesday along with another lineman, Trent Granger, in a workplace “accident” involving equipment failure on Spalding Street in Griffin, Georgia. FOX5 Atlanta reported.
The city of Griffin said Granger is in serious but stable condition.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we inform the community of the tragic death of our beloved lineman Eric Weems.Eric was seriously injured this morning while working on a project on Spalding Street. ,” the city wrote on Facebook.
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Veteran lineman Eric Weems was killed Wednesday when equipment malfunctioned while working on a power project in Griffin, Georgia. (Griffin Town)
Weems, who was also a U.S. Navy veteran, celebrated his 19th year as a lineman in October, according to a video posted by the city in 2020. In the video, Weems explained what it's like to be a lineman to celebrate his 19th year as a lineman. 2020 Georgia Cities Week.
He was also featured by the city during Lineman Appreciation Month in 2017, releasing a short video explaining why he loves his career.
Weems said one of his favorite parts of being a lineman is restoring power to families with children during the winter when their homes are cold.
“Money can't buy that feeling, and that's a big part of why I do this job,” Weems said. “The satisfaction I get from lighting a light for those people is immeasurable.” It’s not there,” he added.
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Weems was also part of a mutual aid team that went to Quitman, Ga., to help restore power to people affected by Hurricane Helen, the city announced Oct. 3.
Eric Weems was part of a mutual aid team that traveled to southern Georgia to restore power to people affected by Hurricane Helen. (City of Griffin / Facebook)
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also commented on the tragic incident and expressed his condolences to the city and the loved ones of Mr. Weems and Mr. Granger.
“As our state and communities recover from this devastating storm, it is because of the dangerous work of our linemen that we are able to continue on the path to recovery,” Kemp wrote. .
“Marty, the girls, and I are deeply saddened by this tragic news. To everyone in the state of Georgia, our thoughts are with the members of the Griffin Line, their families, and their loved ones during this difficult time. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
The city of Griffin identified the slain lineman as Eric Weems and the injured lineman as Trent Granger in a statement on its Facebook page Wednesday. (City of Griffin / Facebook)
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“We ask the community to help our family, friends, and colleagues mourn our loss and pray for healing for both of us. We will continue to provide updates regarding Trent as we receive them. We grieve together,” the city wrote. .
Griffin is located south of Atlanta and is considered part of the city's metropolitan area.
