An investigation is continuing into the death of a Platte County employee in a freakish accident that occurred Monday afternoon.
Justin Hartman, 30, of Dearborn, died after an unoccupied county public works pickup truck rolled down a hill and struck him, forcing him into an unoccupied grader at the scene.
Hartman was part of a Platte County Public Works Department crew that was trimming trees near the intersection of 77th Street and John Anders Road in southern Platte County near Weatherby Lake.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the unoccupied county-owned 2003 Ford F-350 utility truck rolled downhill westbound and struck Hartman. The truck and Hartman then both struck the Gradall XL4100, according to the Highway Patrol’s report.
Captain Erik Holland of the Platte County Sheriff’s Department said the accident happened at about 1:10 Monday afternoon. He said Hartman was the only employee struck by the pickup.
The Highway Patrol report indicates Hartman was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jackson County Medical Examiner at 1:34 p.m.
Holland said because the incident involved county employees and county vehicles, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.
Hartman had been with the county since Aug. 30 of last year, Holland said.
Hartman’s death was the second in about a 10-day period to affect county staff. Assessor Lisa Pope died March 31 after a long fight with cancer.
Hartman was born on May 19, 1980 to David Kirk Hartman and Kelli Ray (Peck) Buckler in St. Joseph. He grew up in the DeKalb area, and in 1998 he graduated from DeKalb High School.
He had also worked for Beverly Lumber in Platte City. He is survived by his mother, Kelli Buckler and Keith Stubbs, Dearborn; father, David Hartman and wife, Kim, DeKalb; brothers, Jeremy Hartman and wife Stevie; Jered Hartman and Janelle; fiancé, Brandi Morris; grandparents, Myrna Peck, Walker, Mo.; and Kenny and Ona Hartman, Rushville; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral service is set for 10 a.m. Friday, April 15 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Edgerton.
Burial will be in Union Cemetery, DeKalb. Family visitation is set for 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the church.
