Frank Gornick Facebook Memorial Page
Poquoson, Va. (The Weekly Vice) - Frank Gornick, a 14-year-old Virginia teen died Sunday in a horrific manner few people can fathom. Death by woodchipper.
According to Poquoson police, Gornick was part of a three-man crew working to remove tree limbs and debris from a Virginia resident's home when the unimaginable happened.
Investigators say Gornick was using a shovel to move debris into the machine when it's blades caught the shovel and pull it and Gornick into the wood chipper's hopper. Gornick died instantly.
A witness at the scene rushed to turn the machine off, but didn't succeed in shutting it down in time.
The case is now under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration and the state medical examiner's office.
Danny Vice
The Weekly Vice
www.theweeklyvice.com
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25 comments:
I feel bad for the family!,but seriously why didn't he just let go of the shovel??
Poor kid… poor family.
Hey how about instead of leaving stupid remarks about letting go of the shovel, you offer your condolences to this family who have lost such a young boy. I don't know how someone could say something so insensitive about such a tragic accident.
My condolences to anyone who has to use a 'HEFTY' bag for a casket.
I don't think my comment was insensitive at all. I did say I felt bad for the family,and then I asked a question Everyone should have asked at some point.
I don't think J-Buggs was trying to be insensitive - but rather brings up an interesting point that demands questions...
This tragedy took place in a fraction of a second - and therefor, I don't think there was much choice involved once the blades caught hold of that shovel.
It's apparent to me engineers need to take a hard look at this machine's design and determine what changes can be made to prevent a tragedy like this in the future.
The Weekly Vice extends it's condolences to Frank's family.
We also call on the machine's manufacturer to pull this machine off the market until it's safety issues can be addressed.
Wood chippers can be outfitted with a leverage arm that can safely push debris towards the machine's blades - thus greatly reducing the safety risk that led to this tragedy.
While we want to honor this young man's life with condolences for the family.... it's also high time to be asking questions.
A question that needs to be asked is, why was a 14yr old being allowed to use this type of machine?? In most states a 16yr old cant legally flip hamburgers because of their age.
Criminal charges should and will be filed.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_pokodeathside_1124nov24,0,339390.story
-Jason
Exactly, R.
In most states, a 14 year old working in a restaurant is not allowed to use cutting machines (like an electric meat slicer).
Possibly his gloves got caught in the metal hoop on the end of the shovels handle. I nearly got pulled into a thresher this way as a pre-teen.
Either way what a horrible way to die. And I wish the family any peace they can find in this.
I didn't know him but I graduated from there... It hurts that this had to happen to such a great kid. I heard great things about him and he will be missed terribly. R.I.P. Frank, all of Poquoson misses you and loves you dearly.
Very sad...still, I am glad he died instantly, rather than suffer for days, weeks, or months. Or be disfigured for life.
I hope no one finds this comment insensitive.
Frank was the sweetest person ever,losing him is one of the hardest things ill have to go throughh. And the people asking why he didnt let go of the shovel? really? im sure it happened so fast he didnt have time to think to let go,have some sympathy for his parents and sisterr..they have lost so much,he is missed dearly and he WILL NOT be forgotenn..R.I.P. baby franklen!<3 11.22.09.
Frank was the sweetest person ever,losing him is one of the hardest things ill have to go throughh. And the people asking why he didnt let go of the shovel? really? im sure it happened so fast he didnt have time to think to let go,have some sympathy for his aunt and uncle and sisterr..they have lost so much,he is missed dearly and he WILL NOT be forgotenn..R.I.P. baby franklen!<3 11.22.09. *****
Danielle H. I am sorry for your loss. He does look like a sweet kid. People do need to understand that accidents happen and I am very sorry that you had to read that at a time like this.
With that said....
Danny, you pretty much said everything I was thinking, BUT...
I do disagree with J-Bugg80's comment about the shovel. We seem to have a couple of bitter and insensitive bloggers on here lately...
Though her comment was unintentionally insulting, and she did say she felt bad for the family, I believe it was a thoughtless and unnecessary, especially on a story like this.
I see this site is starting to go down that Path where most are Offended with a question that is asked and to top it off it was a Logical Question J Bugg. If you asked questions like this maybe next time this kind of thing wont happen again.
People need to start not wearing their Feelings on their Sleeves.
While I also send my condolences for this poor boy...
I also agree about the questions.
What's the big deal? This is a BLOG where stories are written and people comment. It's not inappropriate to ask a question about the occurrence.
Now it WOULD be inappropriate to ask that question at his funeral, but not on here.
Sad that his parents were dead too. Tragic for the family.
letting go is always the hardest part
being a tree worker for 6 years and working the same machine no one has time to let go of anyting because it sucks things in so fast i worked for the owner for a long time and was always great to me sorry for the loss of a great young man and as far as a punishment there is no punishment needed they have lost enough as it is!!!
Another idiot has drowned in the gene pool. Let's all be thankful this dope didn't pass his stupidity genes on to future welfare recipients and criminals.
These machines are extremely powerful! There was no time to "let go of the shovel". In less than a second it will have hold of your sleeve. Then it's over.
My condolensces to his family and friends and the rescue workers who will probably have nightmares for months if not years.
May God be with them.
OSHA is for sure going to have an issue with a 14 yr old operating this machine. Tragic and sad story.
"Anonymous said...
Another idiot has drowned in the gene pool. Let's all be thankful this dope didn't pass his stupidity genes on to future welfare recipients and criminals."
wow, assumptions much? No mention of welfare, criminality or anything else. It's hardly stupidity to be involved in an accident that can happen to anyone.
The kid worked for a family member, the law has exceptions for age when it comes to a family owner business. That is why you might see 10 year old kids running the register at a family owner resturant. There was nothing illeagal about Frank's employment. Also, OSHA is not going to put to much effort into investigating this issue as long as the intent of the afety measures were being followed. Ladies and gentlemen, let's remember that accidents do happen and it's not always someones fault. As for the individual who called Frank stupid and is glad he is dead, I'm CERTAIN many people feel the same way about YOU!
I knew Frank well, he was my godbrother and best friend, he had no time to let go of the shovel, it hit him too fast, i cry every time i think of him, he was a bro lost to me, and i was only 14 when i saw it. Dont hate, dont look at it for sick humor, this was serious shit. Look him up on Facebook and like the page, his sister, Aunt, and older bro would appreciate it. i know it. Just dont be jerks and dicks and question it. Sincerely, his best friend, better left unnamed.
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