June 10, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
A tragic accident at the DeKalb County Solid Waste Transfer Station this morning (Monday) claimed the life of a county garbage truck driver there.
69-year-old Alvin Armour, a long-time solid waste department employee, died after he was accidentally struck and run over by another county garbage truck driver, 52-year-old Thomas Bowen of Murfreesboro.
Officials say Bowen was lined up and parked behind another truck waiting to unload prior to the accident. Armour, who had just unloaded his truck, had parked and gotten out on foot.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Armour crossed in front of Bowen’s truck as he began to drive forward, and Bowen could not see him. Armour died at the scene.
Summoned to the scene were members of DeKalb EMS and the Smithville Police and Fire Departments, in addition to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
“This was a tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers go out to Alvin’s family. He was a long-term employee and long-term friend. We all lost a friend today and our hearts are heavy”, said County Mayor Matt Adcock.