Cedar City, Utah — A 24-year-old construction worker has died after being struck and pinned by a dump truck at a construction site in southwestern Utah, leaving behind a pregnant wife who was expecting their first child within weeks.
The victim, identified as Truman Yardley, was working near Sonrise Christian Church west of Cedar City when the fatal incident happened on Tuesday, October 27, at approximately 10:20 a.m. local time.
According to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the location along Iron Springs Road and discovered that Yardley had suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a dump truck.
His death has left his family preparing to welcome a baby girl without him, as loved ones remember a young husband who was looking forward to becoming a father.
How Did the Dump Truck Accident Happen?
According to a preliminary investigation by the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, Yardley had bent down to grease an excavator bucket when a dump truck operated by a fellow employee backed into him.
Authorities said he was struck and pinned by the dump truck, suffering injuries that proved fatal.
Intermountain Life Flight was initially requested to respond to the construction site. However, officials canceled the request after determining that Yardley had already died from his injuries.
The sheriff’s office identified the victim through Cassie Meredith, a spokesperson for the agency.
Sheriff’s Office Says No Charges Will Be Filed
Following the incident, authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the workplace accident. In an initial statement, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as appearing to be a tragic accident, adding that no criminal charges had been filed.
Meredith later confirmed that the sheriff’s office had concluded its investigation and would not issue any citations in connection with the incident. However, the investigation did not end there.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting a separate investigation into the construction company, according to Meredith.
The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner declined to provide additional information because of privacy laws.
Pregnant Wife Was Expecting Their First Baby
Beyond the circumstances of the accident, Yardley’s death has brought heartbreaking news for his wife, Lexi, who is nine months pregnant with their first child.
A family member launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help support Lexi as she prepares for the arrival of their daughter while dealing with the loss of her husband.
The fundraiser organizer explained that the baby was expected any day and that Truman had been the family’s provider.
“Lexi is expecting their baby any day now. Truman was the provider for the family,” the organizer wrote.
The fundraiser asks people to contribute whatever they can to help Lexi as she faces life without her husband and prepares to raise their daughter.
Lexi Remembers Her Husband as a Loving Partner
Lexi remembered Truman as a hardworking and selfless husband who was excited about the next chapter of their lives. Speaking about their relationship, she shared an emotional tribute to the man she loved.
“Nobody loved me more perfectly than he did,” she said. “He showed me exactly how I should be treated and how our daughter should be treated.”
Her words reflected the relationship they had built together and the excitement they shared about becoming parents. The couple had recently discovered they were expecting their first child, with the baby due in approximately two weeks.
Couple Had Celebrated Their Anniversary Before the Tragedy
Lexi also recalled how she and Truman discovered they were going to become parents shortly before leaving for an anniversary trip. The couple had planned a cruise, giving them an opportunity to spend time together and celebrate their relationship.
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“We were just so excited,” she said. “We got to go on a cruise and just have a moment where just the two of us knew. He was just so excited to be a dad.”
The trip became an especially meaningful memory because it was connected to the beginning of their journey toward parenthood. Now, with their daughter’s arrival approaching, Lexi faces a future that looks very different from the one the couple had imagined.
Workplace Investigation Continues
Although the Iron County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation without issuing citations, OSHA’s separate review could provide additional information about the circumstances surrounding the construction site accident.
Officials have not announced further findings from that investigation.
For Lexi and the rest of Yardley’s family, the immediate challenge is preparing for the arrival of a baby girl while grieving the loss of a husband and father-to-be.
The family’s fundraiser is intended to provide financial support during this difficult period as Lexi begins the next chapter of her life with their daughter.
What should be done to improve safety at construction sites and prevent tragic workplace accidents like this? Share your thoughts and messages of support for Truman Yardley’s family in the comments below.
