Jackson County, MO — January 5, 2025, Everett Carter was killed in a truck accident at about 4:30 p.m. on Ashland Avenue.

Authorities said a Jackson County crew was working on snow removal when a dump truck pulled over to let one of the workers out. The truck slid on the icy road, hitting the worker and a parked Honda CRV.

Everett Carter, 61, was pronounced dead at the scene in Blue Summit, an unincorporated community east of Kansas City, according to authorities. He reportedly had worked for Jackson County for 40 years.

Crews had been working to clear roads after a winter snow dumped more than 10 inches of snow across the Kansas City area.

Authorities are still investigating the accident.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

My first thought when I read about a crash like this is to examine how the road conditions and safety protocols during winter maintenance contributed to this tragic outcome. Snow removal crews work under challenging conditions, and incidents like this highlight the unique risks they face.

A key question is whether the dump truck’s maneuver to pull over was appropriate for the conditions. Icy roads significantly reduce traction, making even routine actions like stopping or turning much more hazardous. Investigators will need to determine whether the truck driver followed proper protocols for operating on icy surfaces, such as reducing speed and using controlled braking.

Another critical aspect is whether the road had been adequately treated for ice at the time of the crash. While the crew was actively working to clear snow, it’s possible that the section of Ashland Avenue where the incident occurred had not yet been treated, creating a dangerous environment for both the workers and the truck. The timeline and progress of the crew’s operations will likely come under scrutiny.

The safety procedures in place for the workers themselves are also important. Snow removal operations often involve workers exiting vehicles to perform tasks like clearing specific areas or inspecting equipment. Were proper precautions in place to ensure workers exiting the truck were protected, such as pre-designated safe zones or clear communication protocols between the driver and the worker? The lack of these measures can increase the risk of incidents, especially in slippery conditions.

Lastly, the design and environment of Ashland Avenue may have played a role. Was the road narrow or sloped, making it more difficult for the truck to stop safely? Investigators should also consider whether the significant snowfall created additional hazards, such as obscured road edges or reduced visibility.

This crash underscores the challenges of snow removal operations during severe winter weather. A thorough investigation into the truck’s operation, the crew’s safety practices and the condition of the road will be critical to understanding what happened and identifying measures to improve safety for those working in such hazardous environments.