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Trench collapse kills Eastpointe city worker during water main repair

By Jack Nissen
Published 
Eastpointe
FOX 2 Detroit

Despite rescue efforts from EMS crews, citizens, Eastpointe worker dies after trench collapse

Even with the assistance of several people, efforts to save Brian Theobald weren't enough after he was pronounced dead following the collapse of a trench that had been dug to repair a water main.

EASTPOINTE, Mich. - A city employee from Eastpointe has died after a trench he was working in collapsed on him, trapping and entombing the man before he died.

Brian Theobald, identified in a release from the city manager said he was performing maintenance on a water main break when the walls of the dug-up section collapsed.

Viewer video of rescue attempt of Eastpointe worker

Viewer video of rescue attempt of Eastpointe worker. Video courtesy of Zuber Kabeer of Dearborn Heights.

Several emergency crew members and civilians attempted to dig Theobald out of the hole before he was transported to a local hospital.

The incident happened around 6:20 p.m. Wednesday. Maintenance was being done on Gratiot near Lydia Street where a 10x12 foot hole had been excavated.

After Theobald, 45, became trapped, emergency services were notified and the fire department responded. 

After Theobald was removed from the hole, paramedics administered life-saving procedures. However, the father of two children would not survive. 

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the Theobold family and Brian's Eastpointe family," said a statement from Manager Elke Doom. "Brian died serving the citizens of Eastpointe and will always be remembered."

Brian Theobald, 45, an Eastpointe worker who died in a trench collapse on Wednesday.

In addition to his children, Theobald is survived by his wife.