NEW CASTLE, Ind. (AP) — An east-central Indiana plumber died after water from a high-pressure hose apparently cut his neck and caused heavy bleeding, authorities said.
Chad Unverzagt, 55, of Yorktown was pronounced dead Friday at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, where he was rushed by ambulance after the accident.
Unverzagt, of Hoosier A-1 Sanitary Sewer Service, had been called to New Castle High School for a sewage problem and apparently was clearing a blocked line with a high-pressure water hose, The Courier-Times of New Castle and The Star Press of Muncie reported.
Ron Burns, director of New Castle-Henry County EMS, said Unverzagt was hit by the water as it shot from the hose.
"I think the water did it," Burns said.
A school maintenance worker provided first aid for Unverzagt until an ambulance crew arrived, Burns said. Resuscitation efforts continued on the ride to Indianapolis.
The accident took place near a breezeway that connects the high school and an auditorium, and Burns said some students likely witnessed efforts to save Unverzagt.
Bo Pheffer, an assistant superintendent of New Castle School Corp., said the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified.
