Man dies while installing holiday lights at Alabama Bass Pro Shops
By Camden Morris
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LEEDS, Alabama (WVTM) — A 70-year-old Trussville, Alabama, man died Sunday after falling from a bucket lift while installing holiday lights at the Bass Pro Shops in Leeds, according to authorities.
The Jefferson County Coroner said 70-year-old Kurt Kralovec, 70 died after falling from a bucket lift while installing exterior holiday lights at the store around 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Statement from Bass Pro Shops Bass Pro Shops released a statement saying, “Our hearts go out to the family of Kurt Kralovec, and to our entire family of outfitters, as we grieve the loss of our dear friend and 12-year teammate. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time.”
Police Call This a Tragic Accident Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin described the incident as a tragic accident and highlighted the risks associated with working at heights, particularly during the holiday season.
“Well, like other people, I have an occasion to go up and put Christmas lights out or change light bulbs in my home. And it really doesn’t take a high fall to really seriously injure someone,” Irwin said. “So whenever you’re doing something like that, you need to make sure that it’s stable, that you know that it’s, if there’s any safety recommendations for equipment or if you’re on a ladder, and that you have someone else nearby to call 911 if someone is injured.”
Kralovec was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the fall appears to have been a tragic accident, with no indication of criminal activity.
Irwin said family and friends of Kralovec contacted him seeking answers about the incident.
“In this case, fortunately, it wasn’t a criminal activity that occurred. But, you know, for the family and the friends of this gentleman, you know, who obviously had a lot of people that cared about him. You know, people called me last night that knew someone that knew me and called my personal number. You know, the family members did. And, you know, and I’m glad that I was able to talk to them, but because, you know, they they wanted to know what happened,” Irwin said.
OSHA is Investigating The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has initiated an investigation into the incident. OSHA has six months to complete its review to ensure Bass Pro Shops is following safety guidelines.
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