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Home > Post > Post 16 > Post 16 News Release > 2009 News Releases > News Release

Update to the Death Investigation of a Child in Sturgis, KY

Date of News Release: 06/16/2009

(Henderson, Ky.) -- On June 13, 2009 Kentucky State Police responded to the 1st Christian Church in Sturgis, KY reference a child lodged in an elevator. Zachary Waddell, age 8, was pronounced dead at the scene by Union County Deputy Coroner Chesser. An autopsy was performed at the Madisonville Medical Examiners office. The cause of death has been ruled Compression Asphyxiation. Due to him being lodged between the elevator and the wall shaft is what lead to the asphyxiation.

State Police requested that an elevator inspector from State Fire Marshall's office conduct an inspection of the church's elevator. On June 16, 2009 the inspection took place. After the inspection of the elevator it was locked and placed out of service. The State Fire Marshalls office has no record of the elevator in the building. Also, no tests have been performed according to their records.

The incident is still under investigation by Detective Angela Jones.

Original News Release Below:

Date of News Release: 06/14/2009

(Henderson, Ky.) -- At approximately 800 pm on June 13th, 2009, an 8 year old male juvenile was found lodged in an elevator at the 1st Christian Church in Sturgis, KY. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Union County Deputy Coroner Chesser. No foul play is suspected and the investigation is continuing. The Kentucky State Police was assisted at the scene by the Sturgis Police Dept, the Union County EMS, the Sturgis Fire and Rescue Squad and the Union County Coroners Office. Det. Angela Jones is the investigating officer.

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