One dies, one injured in work-related accident

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Bahret
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  One senior airman was killed and another seriously injured in a work-related accident here Aug. 23.

Senior Airman Jesse Williamson Jr. died, and Senior Airman Ryan Robinson was injured while using a hydraulic lift to replace light fixtures inside an aircraft hangar, said Col. Greg Patterson, 78th Air Base Wing commander. The Airmen involved are assigned to the 78th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"Both were skilled electricians who took their job and safety seriously," said Lt. Col. Scott Hartford, 78th CES commander.

An electrician from Jacksonville, Fla., Airman Williamson was taken to a local medical center and pronounced dead shortly after arrival. He leaves behind a wife, Javonna, and three children: two daughters, Jasmine, 4, and Jaiden, 1 month; and one son, Austin, 2.

"Jesse was sharp, professional and a true asset to our unit," Colonel Hartford said. "He was highly respected by his supervisors and peers and was devoted to his family and church."

Airman Robinson, an electrician from Campbellsburg, Ky., was taken to another medical center and as of Aug. 26 was listed in critical but stable condition.

"Ryan is also an incredible asset to our team and touched virtually every mission at Robins," said Colonel Hartford. "We are praying for his safe recovery."

A board of investigators convened Aug. 24 to examine all facets of the accident. The investigators will look into the cause of the accident and make recommendations to prevent future accidents, said Lt. Col. Dan Mokris, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center chief of safety here.

The accident took place in a 116th Air Control Wing hangar. It is used to provide periodic, scheduled maintenance on KC-135 Stratotankers and E-8 Joint Stars aircraft. No aircraft or 116th people were in the hangar at the time of the accident, Colonel Hartford said. (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)