Jay Roush Killed in Lawnmower Accident Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Paris

Wrongful Death - May 24, 2026

Jay Roush, 64, of Vermilion, Died in Edgar County Lawnmower Accident After Becoming Pinned by The Machine in a Pond

PARIS, ILLINOIS (May 23, 2026) – A 64-year-old worker identified as Jay Roush has tragically died in a Paris lawnmower accident at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course.

Edgar County officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday. Jay Roush was operating a lawnmower at the property when he became pinned under the mower in a pond.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Sadly, Jay Roush was pronounced dead at the scene.

It remains unclear how the victim became pinned. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Paris Lawnmower Accidents

Companies have a legal obligation to protect workers from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1), “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Employers should take a number of actions to prevent lawnmower accidents.

  • Employers should survey mowing areas before work starts on their property.
  • Employers should ensure that all riding lawn mowers are periodically inspected and well maintained.
  • Employers should ensure lawnmowers that have rollover protection structures and seatbelts.
  • Employers should prohibit any measures that bypass the safety devices on lawnmowers.

When a worker is injured or killed in Illinois, they or their surviving family members will typically have recourse through the worker’s compensation system. An injured worker or their family may also be able to pursue a third-party liability claim. For example, a maintenance contractor could be liable for a lawnmower accident if the machine was not properly maintained. The company that manufactured a lawnmower could also be liable for an accident if it lacked a rollover protection structure (ROPS).

Steps to Take After Lawnmower Accidents

Far too many people are injured in lawnmower accidents every year in the United States. According to the United States Air Force, “Lawn mower accidents cause 85,000 injuries a year in the U.S., including 70 fatalities, according to recent statistics. More than twice as many people are killed by lawn mowers than lightning. On average, nearly 6,400 people sustain serious injuries — including burns, deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, and broken bones.” Several actions should be taken after any lawnmower accident.

  • All of the medical records related to injuries should be collected.
  • The lawnmower involved in the accident should be preserved.
  • The maintenance history involving the lawnmower should be reviewed.
  • Any person who may have witnessed the accident should be interviewed.
  • The family of any person who died should seek an independent investigation by a team experienced in workplace accident claims.

Lawnmower accidents are often highly complex. The factors that contribute to any particular incident may take place hours, days, or weeks beforehand. One of the major safety issues with lawn mowers is that they may not have the proper safety features. In particular, many rollover accidents involving lawnmowers can be prevented when lawnmowers have rollover protection structures (ROPS). The family of any person killed in a lawnmower accident is able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Paris Lawnmower Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jay Roush. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that other tragedies can be prevented. Several questions have yet to be  answered? What company was performing maintenance on this lawnmower? Did the lawnmower have all required safety features?

Do you need more information about a Paris workplace accident? Our team of workplace safety advocates is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.