Sheriff Eddie Farris released a statement this afternoon regarding the tragic death of Joseph Kyle Lesko, aged 41. Lesko, a Putnam County native, was part of a construction crew working on the construction of a new residential home in the area of 2200 Maxwell Rd, in the Western part of Putnam County outside of Baxter. Around 12:52 pm, Lesko was working on the roof area of the construction where there were several trusses in a temporary holding position, in order to be permanently installed. When one of the trusses fell, it caused a domino affect of 20 or more trusses to fall and pin Lesko underneath causing, what appeared to be, an immediate loss of life.

Sheriff Farris stated, “This was an accident that turned into a sad and tragic loss of life in Putnam County today. Deputies, Fire, EMS and Rescue personnel responded immediately, but the weight and force of the trusses were tremendous and too much to overcome.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lesko family during this tragedy.