On November 12, 2013, at approximately 5:38 a.m., the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office responded to Telegraph Pass in reference to a possible electrocution. Upon arrival, deputies met with a group of individuals, who were setting up a radio communication antenna standing approximately 40 feet tall. During the investigation it was learned that the men were getting radio interference and realized the antenna was next to power lines.
The men had not noticed the wires overhead due to darkness. While the subjects were attempting to move the antenna away from the power lines, the antenna made contact with the electric wires resulting in the men being electrocuted.
One subject identified as Jim Bush, of Yuma, was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center by Rural Metro Ambulance with moderate burns to his hand and lower leg. He is in stable condition.
The second subject identified as Dennis Knight, also of Yuma, refused medical attention.
Both Bush and Knight are active members of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue; however, they were not involved in any sanctioned Sheriff’s Office event at the time of the incident.