Danville utilities employee dies while working on powerline

Thompson was inside elevated bucket truck when accident occurred

DANVILLE, Va. – City of Danville Power and Light employee Samuel Thompson was electrocuted Thursday morning while working on a power line on Applewood Drive in Pittsylvania County.

The accident took place around 8 a.m. Thompson and a co-worker were responding to a power outage in the neighborhood.

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Utilities Director Jason Grey said Thompson was inside the elevated bucket truck when the accident occurred. Utility, fire and rescue crews responded.

"We are deeply saddened to lose a member of the Danville utilities family,” Grey said. “This is a difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam’s family, friends and co-workers.”

City Manager Ken Larking added, "My heart goes out to Sam’s family and his friends. We have a close-knit group of co-workers in our utilities division who are grieving his loss. He was well regarded among his friends here and will be missed."

Thompson, 63, worked as a lineman for the utilities department for more than 20 years.