Appalachian Electric Cooperative identifies lineman electrocuted in Grainger County; investigation underway

RUTLEDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — A lineman with Appalachian Electric Cooperative was electrocuted on July 23 while crews were working to install a new service in Grainger County.

A release from AEC explained that crews were working to install the service at 9:20 a.m. when an “electrical contact occurred on site.” Crew members began life-saving measures and called EMS for the injured lineman, who was taken to Morristown-Hamblen Hospital. The lineman did not survive.

AEC identified the lineman as Nathan Potter , who had worked with AEC for more than six years.

“Not only was he a valued part of the AEC Family, he was also so much more – a husband, son, brother, and father to three young children. We continue to pray for his family during this extremely difficult time,” AEC wrote.

On Tuesday, AEC released a statement.

“AEC is a close-knit organization that doesn’t just provide power to our members and the community, we’re part of the community. Today, we lost one of our fellow AEC Family
Members and this tragedy is felt by everyone.” said Josh Compton, AEC’s General Manager. “Working as a lineman is a respectable and honorable profession. We mourn
the loss of our colleague during this incredibly difficult time. Their family is in our thoughts and prayers.”

The circumstances that led to the “electrical contact” are under investigation by AEC, the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, and various other local agencies that responded to the scene.

“Safety is and will continue to be our number one priority,” said Compton.

On Wednesday, July 24, TOSHA released a statement to 6 News, confirming that it had dispatched an investigator to the site and explaining that a fatality investigation can take up to six months to complete.

“To ensure the investigation’s integrity, TOSHA does not release any preliminary information regarding the incident.  When the investigation is final, the report detailing the agency’s findings is open for review by the citizens of Tennessee,” the statement read.

TOSHA also shared that investigators in these types of cases typically survey the location of the incident, review company records and procedures, and conduct interviews with management and employees.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with new information shared by TOSHA.

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