EMEPA technician killed in work accident

A Kemper County man was killed early Monday morning by a falling tree limb in a work-related accident approximately two miles North of Preston. 

Michael Burton, a 49-year-old right-of-way technician for East Mississippi Electrical Power Association, was struck in the head at around 8:45 a.m. as the crew he worked with was clearing the right of way on Highway 397 according to Kemper County Coroner Terry Bostick. He confirmed that Patient Care Ambulance responded to the emergency call and that Burton was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The following is a statement posted on the EMEPA Facebook page on Monday: 

“EMEPA is grieving the devastating loss of a valued member of our team. Our prayers are with his family, friends and our fellow EMEPA family. We are working with authorities to conduct a detailed accident investigation and are unable to provide additional details at this time. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of all employees, members, and the general public.” 

Burton had been employed for nearly 18 years by EMEPA. 

“Today (Monday) we are reminded how quickly things can impact our team,” said EMEPA CEO Randy Carroll in a prepared release. “Our employees face challenging situations every day and many nights. Today, we face losing one of our own. We grieve with his family and ask for time to heal.”