Hempstead Town Sanitation Worker Killed By Garbage Truck

A Hempstead Town sanitation worker died on Wednesday after police say the garbage truck he was riding backed into another truck.

According to police, three sanitation workers were on Bunker Avenue in Wantagh at 1:25 p.m. collecting leaves from in front of homes. There was one driver, and two workers hanging on to the back of the truck.

Police did not release details of the actual accident, but said that the garbage truck was backing up and approached a park landscaping truck, which caused the 60-year-old man to suffer injuries to his chest and abdomen. Police did not say exactly what happened, citing the ongoing investigation.

The man was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead by doctors. Police say the garbage truck will undergo safety inspections, and that the investigation is ongoing.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen released a statement and identified the worker as Jean Macdonald, of Freeport.

"It is with profound sadness we report that longtime Town of Hempstead Sanitation worker Jean Macdonald was killed in a tragic accident yesterday while working on his route in Wantagh. The accident, involving a Hempstead Town Sanitation truck, is currently under investigation and a comprehensive review of all Hempstead Town Sanitation Department safety policies and procedures is being conducted," Gillen said. "Mr. Macdonald, a Freeport resident, has been a part of the Hempstead Town workforce since 2006. An exemplary employee, Jean was a hard-working and dedicated member of the Sanitation Department. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family during this most difficult time."

Town of Hempstead officials also expressed their sadness over the death.

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