Adair County 911 received a call at 10:14 a.m. on Monday, April 25, of a female that had turned a forklift over on Scott Dial Road, just outside the city limits on Ky. 55 North.
Upon arrival, it was found that the operator was pinned under the commercial forklift.
A preliminary investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office shows that 56-year-old Charlene Cowan, an owner of Local Pallet Wholesale, was loading a tractor trailer with pallets when she dropped off in a hole while backing up. The forklift started to turn over. She attempted to jump off but was unable to clear herself free and was struck by the forklift, ultimately pinning her underneath it.
First responders and bystanders from businesses nearby worked to get her free from the forklift and EMS provided care. Attempts to secure air medical flight from scene was unsuccessful due to weather, and she was rushed to TJ Health of Columbia Emergency Room. At 11:38, she was pronounced deceased, and Adair County Coroner Todd Akin was called.
The Adair County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a press release that it “extends its condolences to the family and friends of the Cowan family as they deal with the loss of their loved one.”
Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Adair EMS, Columbia-Adair Fire, and Breeding Fire Department were all responding agencies.
