Man dies after forklift accident, son in critical condition
MEDON, Tenn. — A father is dead and and his son is critically injured after a forklift accident in Medon. Siler Helton and his son Darren Helton were hired contractors, working on a forklift at the White Oaks Stave Company when the unexpected happened. The company’s general manager, J.D. Rhea, says something went wrong. “There was some sort of malfunction on the equipment and they fell and hit the concrete Rhea said. “They fell about 15 or 16 feet”. According to the Madison County Sheriffs Office, Siler was pronounced dead at Jackson General Hospital. His son Darren is currently in serious condition at The Med in Memphis. Darren’s 15-year-old son was on site, but wasn’t hurt. Friends say Siler was a staple in the community. “He was a good christian man,” family friend Alana McCord said. “He helped us and the whole community in so many ways”. J.D. Rhea says he’s hired Siler many times before. “I’ve used this man for many many years and he was a great great guy who did good work,” Rhea said. “He was also a real close friend.” Whether you knew the Helton’s or not, Siler’s friends and family say this freak accident will definitely have an impact on the community. Friends say the family is holding out for his son to be healthy enough to attend. “It’s just a shock to the whole community,” Mccord said. “We’re just in disbelief.” The Madison County Sheriffs Office and Tennessee OSHA are still investigating the incident. No word yet on Siler’s funeral arrangements.
