Manhattan man dies under vehicle in Joliet junkyard accident
By Brian Stanley bstanley@stmedianetwork.com May 12, 2012 6:48PM
Maps
Updated: June 14, 2012 8:31AM
JOLIET — A 33-year-old Manhattan man died at a junkyard Saturday morning after he was crushed beneath a vehicle.
The Will County Coroner’s office has identified the man as Robert D. Trull. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, the office said.
Police said Trull arrived about 7:45 a.m. at Joliet Auto Parts, 1014 E. Washington St., and made his way unaccompanied to a Dodge Durango at the rear of the property.
Using two jacks to support the front and rear of the vehicle’s right side, Trull got beneath it to remove parts when one of the jacks apparently gave way.
“His legs and abdomen were out, but his chest and head were pinned beneath,” Joliet Fire Battalion Chief Ron Schroeder said.
Police said another customer came back to the area at 11:44 a.m. and saw the legs sticking out from the Durango.
“We were called and used an air bag system to raise the vehicle and remove the victim, but he was already deceased,” Schroeder said.
Police learned Trull’s teenage son had ridden to the junkyard with his father and was waiting in their car in the parking lot.
Arrangements are pending, the coroner’s office said.
Contributing: Steve Metsch
