Sewer Gas Kills Two

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Sewer Gas Kills Two

By Dawn Crawley

Two men are dead after an industrial accident near Aberdeen and officials want to know why they were in a hazardous area with no protection.

The victims are 19 year old Ryan Kolden from Clark and 49 year old Tim Lightfield from Watertown.

The men died at a lift station near Richmond Lake in the northwest part of the city.

"The two men were working at this sewer lift station when they went in and were overcome by fumes. Divers and law enforcement were on the scene for hours.  Investigators say hydrogen sulfide took the lives of Tim Lightfield and Ryan Kolden."

They say Lightfield was lowered into the lift station to work on piping and encountered high levels of gas.  Kolden went in to try to help Tim but the gas overtook him as well.

"You know my mother-in-law and my niece were home at the time.  They saw all these vehicles and they were wondering what's going on," says Audrey Spitzer, a neighbor.

The two men were working for Dakota Pump and Control and were not wearing protective gear.

The company isn't commenting on that issue right now, but does state "We are saddened by the loss of these two individuals. They were an important part of our team at Dakota Pump and Control. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved."

For some it shows how dangerous the job can be.  I think it serves as a big warning.


Wednesday, Jul 23 at 8:14 PM TO DANI wrote ...

Are you heartless?? Why would you write something so cruel on here?

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 4:05 PM US wrote ...

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT OPINIONS DONT YOU DANI20

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 4:02 PM me wrote ...

dani20...how can you be so sure of this??? YOu cant be so dont go around pushing your silly thoughts on the greiving people....my thoughts and prayers go out to the families

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 3:43 PM TO NO OFFENSE wrote ...

I just hope and pray they knew Jesus! There is a better place it's called Heaven. So to the families of these two people may God's peace pour over you as you greive and may the memories you hold of them bring you comfort. As to the person this is addressed to I pray that someday you except Jesus and know that when you die you will go to Heaven. Praying for the families.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:46 AM ex city worker wrote ...

i feel sad of this news, i worked with lift stations for 4yrs, they ALWAYS stress in safety training NEVER enter a confined space WITHOUT proper gear, check gas levels, and wear a Breathing pack!!!! Why did these men have NO Personal Protective Equipment IS THE BIG QUESTION??????? this should have never happened!!!!

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:10 AM To Dani20 wrote ...

No offense to the deceased, or to the greiving, but I have to comment on your 'he's in a better place' comment. I always read and hear that. Do you believe in Santa Claus still too? Here's the truth; there is no Santa Claus. It's a fable. There is no better place. This is it. This depressing hole of a reality is what we have to look forward to every day that we are alive and when we die we die. That's it. End of story. Sorry for the rant.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 8:50 AM sad... wrote ...

I feel terrible for his parents. I can't imagine losing two children in a lifetime...so much as in a year. My heart and prayers go out to them.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 12:11 AM Dani20 wrote ...

Ryan Kolden was one of my good friends. He will be missed very much. This is such a dramatic news cause he lost his brother last year. At least we know he is a good place.. R.I.P Ryan!

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