On September 19th, 2024 at 11:05 a.m., an accident was reported to the Coffey County Sheriff's Office regarding a worker being pinned by a heavy drilling auger while loading a truck at a laydown yard located near Verdure Road on 12th Road. It was determined that it was a drilling auger that had shifted while the worker was assisting in securing the load to the trailer with a come-along and chain. The worker was apparently killed instantly, according to the evidence observed on scene by sheriff's office investigators.

The victim was identified as Colby Benjamin Beard, 32 years of age, of Parkville, Arkansas. Mr. Beard was employed by Energy Erectors of Leesburg, Florida.