Just after noon on Oct. 10, deputies and EMT’s where dispatched to Central Valley were 56 year old Wayne Porter had been pinned by the neck by the bucket of a bobcat skid steer loader between the bucket and the cab.

Richfield Fire Department was called to the scene and cut off the cab of the bobcat to free Porter who died at the scene. There were no witnesses to the accident and it is believed the safety features on the bobcat malfunctioned allowing the bucket to raise as Porter exited the cab.

According to Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis, the victim was found by his wife. Porter is the son of long time Sevier County Search and Rescue member, James Porter.

Officials are currently waiting for an autopsy report for the exact cause of death and the nature of the injuries.