The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a tragic work accident that claimed the life of a Crossville man Saturday.

Kenny Waddell, age 30, died from injuries sustained.

One of Kenny’s best friends, Chris Tincher, told 105.7 News this morning that he and Kenny had a trip to Florida planned for next week.

“It is a shock. One minute we have these plans to head down to Florida and the next we lost him in this accident,” said Tincher.

“Kenny and I were friends for a long time before he married into my family. Kenny was a great husband, father and friend. He will be missed by many,” added Tincher.

Tincher said Kenny was offered a job three months ago to construct a communications tower in Putnam County. Waddell had experience in the field and was working with another individual on the project Saturday when something went horribly wrong.

“Kenny was on the tower being built when apparently a guide wire stabilizing the tower on a turnbuckle snapped. Part of the tower came down with him on it. He was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said Tincher.

Major Terry Hembree with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department told 105.7 News that the accident took place in Franklin Court just outside of the southern edge of Cookeville. No further information will be released until the investigation is complete.

Tincher organized the GoFundMe account to help with Kenny’s funeral expenses and to help his wife and five children in the aftermath. Kenny was the sole provider for the family. When the story first appeared on 105.7 News yesterday afternoon, nearly $5,000 was raised. As of this morning at 9:30 a.m. central, just over $12,000 was raised. Tincher told 105.7 News that all money raised will go to Kenny’s wife to pay for funeral expenses and short-term living costs for his wife and children. All of his children, including two twins, are under the age of seven.

The link to the GoFundMe account is:

https://www.gofundme.com/waddellfamily

Also, if you wish to make a donation in person, it can be dropped off with the receptionist at East Tennessee Dodge in Crossville where Tincher is employed.

Bilbrey Funeral Home in Crossville is in charge of arrangements for Kenny Waddell. An obituary is expected to be released in the next day.