Construction worker dies after ‘accidentally’ driving Bobcat into a pond where it became trapped

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – A construction worker died Tuesday night after being trapped under a construction vehicle that accidentally drove into a retention pond, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

At around 7 p.m., construction crew members were working to level the floor of a clubhouse at the Glen Kernan Golf and Country Club on Glen Kernan Parkway.

They were looking for the Bobcat skid steer — which police said resembled a small excavator used to move dirt — because they didn’t hear any noise from it. JSO said workers noticed it was in the water and called emergency dispatch.

According to JSO, the man, believed to be between 20 and 25 years old, accidentally drove the Bobcat machine into the pond surrounding the golf course and became stuck underneath.

Jacksonville Fire Department took the man to the hospital, where he died.

It is unclear how long he was underwater and the circumstances are unknown.

The police assume that it was an accident, but the investigation is still ongoing.

The Occupational Safety and Health Authority is also conducting investigations.