Tyrrell County, NC (July 24, 2025) – A tragic workplace accident claimed the life of a bulldozer operator at a sandpit east of Columbia earlier this week, prompting a full investigation by state labor officials.

According to reports, Kendle Davis was operating heavy machinery at a sandpit near U.S. Highway 64 on Monday, July 21, when his bulldozer got too close to the edge and plunged into deep water. Officials believe Davis was pushing dirt when the equipment slipped into the pit and became submerged.

His last known cell phone activity was recorded around noon. When the site foreman couldn’t locate Davis or the bulldozer, authorities were notified at approximately 2:40 p.m. Rescue crews later recovered his body around 8:30 p.m. in nearly 30 feet of water.

The North Carolina Department of Labor is now investigating the fatal workplace incident.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.

• The identity of the deceased has been publicly confirmed as Kendle Davis, pending final investigation reports.
• Additional details, including findings from the Department of Labor’s investigation and any safety violations, will be released as they become available.
• There may be future updates from local agencies involved in recovery efforts and workplace safety oversight.

The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.