James McSwiney, 28, Killed in Tragic Construction Accident in Union, Kentucky After Concrete Truck Malfunction
April 25, 2025
UNION, KENTUCKY — April 25, 2025
A construction site in Union, Kentucky, became the scene of a devastating tragedy on Wednesday when 28-year-old James McSwiney was fatally crushed beneath a concrete dump truck while working in a residential neighborhood. The accident occurred on Galileo Boulevard and has since triggered an investigation into the safety measures at the site.
According to officials from the Boone County Coroner’s Office, McSwiney had been working on a hydraulic line beneath the dump truck when the system failed, causing the truck bed to fall and crush him. Emergency responders were called to the scene immediately, but McSwiney was pronounced dead on-site due to the severity of his injuries.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating the fatal incident to determine whether workplace safety protocols were followed and if the machinery involved was properly maintained. The name of the construction company involved has not been released, but authorities confirmed that it is cooperating fully with investigators.
A Young Life Lost on the Job
James McSwiney was described by co-workers as a dedicated and skilled worker who took pride in his work. Those who knew him said he had a strong work ethic, a quiet determination, and a deep love for his family. His sudden death has left colleagues and loved ones grieving and searching for answers.
“We lost more than a coworker. We lost a good man, a friend, someone who came in every day with a purpose,” said a fellow crew member who witnessed the aftermath of the accident. “It’s something none of us will ever forget.”
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigations
This tragic accident has renewed focus on the critical importance of construction site safety, especially in residential areas where heavy equipment is regularly used. The Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (KY OSH) has joined the investigation to determine whether proper lockout-tagout procedures were followed while McSwiney worked on the hydraulic system.
“This kind of accident should never happen,” said a representative from KY OSH. “We are looking closely at the protocols in place and what actions, if any, were taken to secure the machinery before maintenance began.”
Hydraulic failures, though rare, can be catastrophic when safety precautions—such as using mechanical lock supports or secondary safety devices—are overlooked. Investigators are now reviewing site safety logs, truck maintenance records, and employee training documentation.
A Community in Mourning
Union is a quiet and closely-knit town in Boone County, where construction projects have been steadily increasing to meet growing housing demands. The loss of a young worker under such tragic circumstances has sent waves of grief through the community.
Union Mayor Larry Solomon issued a statement offering condolences to McSwiney’s family and called for stronger safety accountability across all active work zones.
“Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Mr. McSwiney. This tragedy reminds us that no job is worth a life. Every worker deserves to return home safely.”
The job site was immediately shut down following the incident, and grief counseling is being offered to fellow employees through the construction company’s employee assistance program.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, McSwiney’s family and coworkers await answers—and justice. Many in the construction industry and local government are urging for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, not just on commercial developments, but in residential construction zones where oversight can sometimes be inconsistent.
James McSwiney’s death marks a sobering moment for Kentucky’s construction community and serves as a grim reminder of the high cost of even one safety lapse.
