Few Details In Sioux Falls Post Office Death

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Police have not released the name of the 58-year-old Minnesota man who died at a Sioux Falls post office on North 4th Avenue. Workers who found him called 911 around 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, but he was dead when emergency crews arrived.  While officers notify the victim's family, the police spokesman says the cause could have just been a simple mistake that led to tragedy.

"He was on the lift and he was the one operating this lift. From the initial reports, it sounds like he was leaning over the railing, either looking to the side or looking down and then the lift kept going up and hit this pipe on the ceiling and pinned him up there," Sioux Falls Police Public Information Officer Sam Clemens said.

Though Clemens said the man died right on the scene, it is not yet known what kind of injuries led to his death. As the investigation continues, an autopsy should provide more answers.

 "We're going to look and see if there is anything criminal in nature. In an accident like this, sometimes that's just what they are, an accident," Clemens said.

Beyond waiting for autopsy results, Clemens said officers are checking to see if any witnesses saw what happened. Investigators will give the information to OSHA so it can see if any safety codes were violated.
 
Clemens does not believe the man worked for the post office, and may have been with an electric or construction company doing contract work.

A representative from the Post Office did not return KELOLAND's request for a statement.