Knoxville TN, September 20, 2025
News Summary
An investigation is underway following two tragic deaths at construction sites in Knoxville, Tennessee, raising significant safety concerns. In one incident, a 24-year-old man was fatally injured by an excavator, while in another, a 21-year-old man fell from a crane. Authorities are scrutinizing safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
Knoxville, Tennessee – An investigation is currently underway following two fatal incidents at construction sites in Knoxville, which have raised serious safety concerns in the area. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) are actively investigating both incidents, which occurred within a short time frame.
On Thursday night, a tragic accident took place off Lovell Road when a 24-year-old man was pinned by an excavator against a rock bucket. The individual sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. KCSO’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene shortly after the accident was reported, and TOSHA has confirmed that it is involved in the ongoing investigation.
In a separate incident that occurred on July 5, 2025, at approximately 2 a.m., a 21-year-old man named Jackson Gervasio from Marquette, Michigan, died after falling from a crane at a construction site located near Lake Avenue and 19th Street in the Fort Sanders neighborhood. Gervasio was visiting a friend at the time and is believed to have entered the construction site by climbing over a fence before ascending the crane. Police reports suggest that Gervasio was likely under the influence of alcohol at the time of his fall. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was subsequently transferred to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for further examination. The Knoxville Police’s Violent Crimes Unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Gervasio’s death.
Both incidents have sparked concerns about safety protocols and regulations at construction sites in Knoxville. As investigations by local law enforcement and occupational safety representatives continue, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of life and the implications it brings to workplace safety in the construction industry.
Background Information
The construction industry is known for its various hazards, and incidents of injury and fatalities occur more frequently than in many other occupations. Regulatory organizations such as TOSHA work to enforce safety standards and practices to minimize the risks faced by workers. However, accidents such as those in Knoxville highlight ongoing challenges related to worker safety and the necessity for adherence to safety protocols.
In Tennessee, like many states across the nation, employers are required to maintain safe work environments and follow stringent safety measures. These incidents serve as a reminder of the critical importance of safety training and proper procedures in hazardous work environments.
FAQ Section
What happened in the construction site incidents in Knoxville?
An investigation is currently underway after two fatal incidents at construction sites in Knoxville, Tennessee. The first incident involved a 24-year-old man who was pinned by an excavator against a rock bucket. The second incident involved Jackson Gervasio, 21, who fell from a crane at a separate construction site.
What are the details of the first incident?
In the first incident, a 24-year-old man was pinned by an excavator against a rock bucket at a construction site off Lovell Road on Thursday night. He sustained life-threatening injuries, was transported to the hospital, and later died.
What happened in the second incident involving Jackson Gervasio?
The second incident occurred on July 5, 2025, when Jackson Gervasio fell from a crane at a construction site near Lake Avenue and 19th Street in the Fort Sanders neighborhood. It is believed he climbed over a fence to enter the site, and he was likely under the influence of alcohol at the time of the fall.
Key Features of the Incidents
| Incident | Date & Time | Location | Victim | Cause | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Incident | Thursday Night | Off Lovell Road | 24-year-old Man | Pinned by Excavator | Under Investigation |
| Second Incident | July 5, 2025, 2 a.m. | Lake Avenue and 19th Street | Jackson Gervasio (21) | Fell from Crane | Under Investigation |
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: 24-year-old Man Killed at Construction Site
- Wikipedia: Construction Safety
- Knox News: 21-Year-Old Dies After Falling from Crane
- Google Search: Knoxville Construction Safety
- WATE: Man Dead After Falling from Crane
- Google Scholar: Construction Safety Regulations
- WSMV: Man Dies After Falling from Crane at Fort Sanders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workplace Safety
- WATE: 21-Year-Old Charged with Vehicular Homicide
- Google News: Knoxville Construction Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
