Man Electrocuted While Working Inside School
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HENRY COUNTY, Tenn.- Deputies are investigating what they said was a tragic accident after an electrician was found dead in the ceiling at Lakewood School, Monday. “I mean the man was just going to work everyday making a living,” said Inv. David Doyle, of the Henry County Sheriff’s Department. “Just a tragic accident, it’s terribly sad.” Investigators said John Barker, 48, who is an employee with E&W Electric Company was last seen by his supervisor just prior to Noon. He was working to build a storm shelter inside of the school where his daughter, 13, attends. Officials said he was found unresponsive by his supervisor around 1:30 p.m. “I can’t explain it. I wish I could, but never in a million years did I think I’d lose him so early,” said victim’s mother Peggy Hebner.” What we understand was he was just about finished with what he was doing and he told Wayne (his supervisor) to go on ahead to lunch ‘I’ll finish this and see ya later’ and when Wayne got back he didn’t see him.” Deputies said Barker’s supervisor found Wayne unconscious inside the ceiling panels. When first responders arrived, officials said CPR was being administered to Barker. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Henry County Coroner. Deputies told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News they believe Barker was electrocuted after accidentally coming into contact with an electrical circuit that was energized. “There were some breakers on and some breakers turned off. Parts of the building had electricity turned on, because they weren’t working in there and parts had it turned off, so it’s possible a breaker had not been turned off,” said Doyle. Family members said Barker had been working as an electrician for 17 years. He learned his skills in the military. Loved ones said he had experienced several shocks in the past but nothing too serious as he was known for being extremely careful on the job. “He was a really good dad in fact that’s what everybody at work said that’s all he talked about was the kids,” said Hebner. “He was working for the kids. Last Saturday he and the kids took me to Paris Landing because it was my birthday and two days later he was gone so we do have that happy memory but yea it was just such a shock.” According to deputies Barker’s body has been taken to Nashville for an autopsy. Investigators said no foul play was suspected. Family members said anyone is welcome to pay their respects, Friday from 4-8 p.m. Visitation is at Ridgeway Funeral home in Paris. Barker will be buried with military honors Saturday at 11 a.m.
