Man fatally crushed at auto salvage yard

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 7, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 7, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — A Muncie auto salvage yard worker was killed when a sport-utility vehicle fell from a winch, crushing him underneath.

The Delaware County coroner says 30-year-old Michael L. "Tiny" Bodenhofer probably died instantly when the SUV fell Monday.

Coroner James Clevenger calls the death "a very unfortunate accident."

Clevenger says Bodenhofer had used a flatbed wrecker and a winch cable to lift the 1,200-pound SUV by the bumper, so he could climb beneath it and remove some parts.

The coroner says the bumper gave way, dropping the vehicle on Bodenhofer's chest.

Co-workers at Northwest Auto and Truck parts found his body about 10 a.m., but Clevenger says the accident occurred earlier in the morning.

Saturday, Nov 22 at 1:11 PM nottosmart wrote ...

this guy was clearly super lazy and was just trying to cut corners by doing things the easy way instead of being safe.. now his family will grieve because of his complete stupidity

Thursday, Oct 9 at 3:50 PM Linda wrote ...

I agree with Cornfusion. You are the idiot. Maybe a car didn't fall you but somebody must have dropped you on your head when you a baby! You are cruel and a pig!

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 9:15 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

7:58 ANON, you're a pig. The guy paid the ultimate price for his error and he does not need you or anyone else calling him an idiot. Or maybe more simply put in terms you might better understand, let's just say that this happened to you, or a family member, the first thing that would come to my mind to say would be, "SMASHING!" or "Ooh, THAT'S going to leave a mark.". But I wouldn't because if I did that would make me a pig, just like you! Get it?

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 6:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...

what an idiot, why in the world would you use a bumper to hold the weight of an suv, there is like 2 1/2 bolts holding the thing on, what a horrible accident but you should have used better judgment, at minimum he should have attached it to the axle like they do when they tow

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 1:37 PM Grit wrote ...

Yikes! How terrible! I'm so sorry for his family and friends.

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