A 33-year-old line worker helping to restore electricity in a storm-rattled northern Minnesota community was electrocuted and died, authorities said.
ID released of line worker killed trying to restore power after storms in N. Minnesota
Fellow workers were among many who tried to save the man's life.
July 2, 2018 at 12:30PM
The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Friday in Orr, roughly 50 miles southeast of International Falls, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.
The man was identified by the Sheriff's Office as Drew Schwarz of nearby Cook.
Lake Country Power employees, first responders and ambulance personnel tried to revive Schwarz. However, he was declared dead at the scene, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Greg Randa, the utility's general manager, said he expects the investigation will determine what happened.
Severe thunderstorms rolled through the area early Friday, halting power to more than 7,500 Lake Country Power customers. The storm took down trees, power lines and broke dozens of poles near Ely, Orr, Cook, Lake Vermilion, Babbitt, and elsewhere in the co-op's service area.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
These Minnesotans are poised to play prominent roles in state and national politics in the coming years.
