Poultry transporter dies after apparent forklift accident

On September 23, a poultry transport worker died in Smarr, Georgia, after apparently being hit by a forklift.

Officials with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office told WMAZ that the victim was identified as Gary Patterson of Fairmount, Georgia.

The incident occurred sometime between 5 and 7 a.m. at Vanhuss Poultry in Smarr. Patterson was at the farm while a crew of seven was apparently there to capture chickens for him and transport them to the Perdue Farms facility.

An investigation is underway, but so far authorities have limited information. None of those present admitted to driving the forklift, Monroe County Coroner Joey Proctor told the news agency. Proctor examined the body and said the injuries were to the pelvis, hips, legs and abdomen.

When WATT Global Media contacted a Perdue Farms spokesperson, the spokesperson decided to wait to release a comment until more information was available about the situation.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 478.994.7010.