Pinellas County Sheriff's detectives are investigating a work-related accidental death near the intersection of Lake St. George Drive and Chatham Drive in Palm Harbor.

  • Steven R. Brakenwagen, 26, died at the scene
  • Rescuers used a crane to lift tractor, free Brakenwagen
  • OSHA notified of death investigation

Officials said the Sheriff's Office first received a call in connection with the death at about 1:51 p.m. on Aug. 23. Investigators learned that a contractor, Steven R. Brakenwagen, 26, was working with another worker, Levi McFatter, taking turns driving a Kubota tractor and spraying vegetation in the power-line easement.

McFatter was reportedly taking a break while Brakenwagen was driving the tractor in the wooded area. When Brakenwagen didn't return, McFatter went to check on him and found the tractor overturned in a deep hole with Brakenwagen pinned underneath and unresponsive.

Paramedics from Palm Harbor Fire Rescue responded to the scene, where they pronounced Brakenwagen dead. Rescue crews worked for three hours utilizing a crane to lift the tractor in order to free Brakenwagen's body.

Investigators believe the thick vegetation prevented Brakenwagen from seeing the steep embankment. When he went over it and the tractor rolled down, Brakenwagen was ejected from the tractor, then pinned as it rolled over him.

Both Brakenwagen and McFlatter are employees of NaturChem, the company contracted to the spray the vegetation on the Duke Energy property. NaturChem issued the following statement regarding the accident:

"We are saddened to report that at approximately 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, the tractor equipment an employee of NaturChem, a Duke Energy contractor, was working on overturned resulting in the fatality of the operator. The contract company was performing vegetation management in a powerline easement when the incident occurred. No additional injuries were reported onsite. The thoughts and prayers of our entire company are with the victim’s family and friends."

No further information has been released. Check back for updates.