SOUTHERN FAYETTE COUNTY — The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the tragic death of a Highland County man following a farming accident Thursday morning in the 9000 block of Simmons Road.
Emergency crews were dispatched after a 9-1-1 call reported a farm tractor on fire and an unresponsive man lying beside the equipment. A passing motorist had already extinguished the fire before first responders arrived. Sadly, the victim, identified as 45-year-old Matthew L. Stoll of Leesburg, Ohio, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
Investigators determined that Stoll had been operating a John Deere 7210 tractor pulling an agricultural sprayer when one of the sprayer’s boom arms made contact with an overhead power line. The contact energized the equipment, and it is believed that Stoll sustained a fatal electrical shock as he attempted to exit the machinery.
South Central Power Company responded to the scene to ensure the area was safe for first responders. Also assisting were members of the Concord-Green Fire Department, Fayette County EMS, and Leesburg EMS.
Fayette County Coroner Dr. Lenora Fitton ruled the death accidental, citing electrocution as the cause.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office extended its deepest condolences to the Stoll family during this difficult time.
