Anderson County, South Carolina — A South Carolina community is mourning the loss of a volunteer firefighter and father of five who died in a tragic workplace accident earlier this week while helping unload materials from a truck.
Authorities identified the victim as Anthony Mark Lamattina III, 57, of Townville, whose death has left family members, fellow firefighters and community members grieving.
Emergency Crews Respond to Industrial Accident
According to the Anderson County Coroner’s Office, emergency dispatchers received a call at approximately 1:45 p.m. on June 1 regarding an incident at Industrial Warehouse Service on Pearman Dairy Road.
When emergency responders arrived at the facility, they discovered Lamattina had suffered fatal injuries.
“Responders arrived on scene to find a male victim that had succumbed to his injuries,” the coroner’s office said.
Authorities immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly workplace incident.
Pallet Fell During Truck Unloading Operation
Preliminary findings indicate that Lamattina was assisting with unloading a truck when the accident occurred.
Investigators said a coworker was operating a forklift while materials were being moved from the vehicle. According to authorities, the load being carried by the forklift became unstable and began to fall.
The shifting materials reportedly caused a pallet to pin Lamattina underneath, resulting in fatal injuries.
Officials have not released additional information regarding the exact weight of the materials or what caused the load to become unstable.
Coroner Rules Death Accidental
Following an examination, the Anderson County Coroner’s Office determined Lamattina died from traumatic asphyxiation.
Authorities officially ruled the manner of death as accidental. The findings confirmed that the fatal injuries occurred as a direct result of the workplace incident and not from any criminal act.
Investigators continue reviewing the scene to determine whether additional workplace safety factors may have contributed to the accident.
Volunteer Firefighter Remembered by Community
Beyond his work, Lamattina was known throughout the area for his dedication to public service. Officials confirmed that he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Double Springs Fire Department.
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The department publicly acknowledged his passing in a social media post following news of the tragedy. Family members described Lamattina as a devoted husband and a loving father to five children.
Friends and community members have also begun sharing tributes honoring his commitment to both his family and his service to others.
His death has deeply impacted those who knew him through firefighting, community service and everyday life in Townville.
Multiple Agencies Investigating Incident
Authorities say the accident remains under active investigation.
The Anderson County Coroner’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are all involved in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal workplace accident.
Investigators are expected to examine safety procedures, equipment operations and workplace conditions as part of the ongoing inquiry.
As the investigation continues, family members and colleagues are left mourning the sudden loss of a man remembered for his dedication to both his loved ones and his community.
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