LOS ANGELES (November 4, 2021)—An LADWP Power System employee died earlier today as a result of injuries sustained during an incident that occurred shortly before 11:00 AM in Wilmington. While working as part of a cable splicing crew performing electrical service work, our employee contacted an energized circuit in an underground vault. His co-workers rescued him from the vault and heroically tried to revive him by performing CPR, until Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene. Paramedics transported him to the hospital but unfortunately, he did not survive. Out of respect for the employee and his family, we are not providing his name at this time until the appropriate notifications can be made.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder that the work that many LADWP employees perform on a daily basis to keep our City running, can be hazardous. Our employees who work to keep our lights on and water flowing are unsung heroes, and on days like today, we are reminded just how vital they are to all of us.

Our hearts are heavy today. While our commitment to our customers drives the work that we do, this tragic incident is a reminder that no task is or ever will be, more important to our work than our employees’ safety. LADWP is working with the appropriate agencies to investigate this incident and has also offered counseling and support services to the employees affected by this tragedy. We will share more information about our fallen colleague in the days to come and appropriately honor his service to our City and our customers.