Decatur, IL – In a tragic turn of events, a 47-year-old Decatur man lost his life while attempting to salvage scrap metal from an abandoned industrial plant. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, around 6 p.m., in the 800 block of North Lowber Street, as confirmed by Macon County Coroner Michael Day.
The deceased, identified as William J. Wattles, Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene after falling from a ladder while attempting to remove materials from the closed facility. According to Coroner Day, Wattles had entered the premises with the intention of collecting copper and other valuable metals, likely to sell as scrap. He had used a ladder and a saw to cut into the materials when the fatal accident occurred.
The investigation revealed that Wattles accidentally cut into a live utility line, which was still carrying high voltage electricity. The severe shock from the electrocution caused him to fall from the ladder, resulting in multiple blunt force injuries to his head and chest. An autopsy conducted on Thursday at the McLean County Coroner’s morgue in Bloomington confirmed that the primary cause of death was a combination of high-voltage electrocution and blunt force trauma from the fall.
The abandoned industrial plant where the incident took place had been closed for some time, but it still contained active utility lines. This highlights the dangers associated with entering and scavenging materials from such facilities, which often pose hidden risks that can be fatal. The practice of scrapping metal from abandoned buildings has become increasingly common, as the demand for metals such as copper has surged, driven by high market prices.
The tragic death of Wattles serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved in such activities. The decaying state of many industrial sites across the country has made them hotspots for illegal scrapping, with individuals risking their lives for the potential financial gain. Unfortunately, this often leads to catastrophic outcomes, as seen in this case.
Initially, authorities faced challenges in identifying Wattles at the scene due to the nature of his injuries. However, through diligent work involving facial recognition technology and examination of unique tattoos, the coroner’s office was able to confirm his identity.
This incident underscores the importance of public awareness regarding the hazards of entering abandoned properties, particularly those that may still be connected to live electrical sources. It also highlights the need for stricter security measures at such sites to prevent unauthorized access and to protect individuals from the potential dangers within.
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Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of closed industrial sites and to report any suspicious activity to the police. The safety of individuals should always take precedence over the potential for financial gain from salvaged materials. This tragedy is a somber reminder that the pursuit of quick money can have fatal consequences.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of William J. Wattles, Jr., and reflects on the broader implications of this unfortunate event. Safety should always be a priority, and the risks of engaging in dangerous activities should never be underestimated.