‘Devastated’: Utility pole breaks, kills man preparing to do yard work

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — A man was struck and killed by a utility pole that snapped near his home on Monday in Catawba County, troopers said.

His family members think the incident along Highway 150 in Sherrills Ford could have been prevented.

An 18-wheeler and an RV struck a low-hanging line that crossed the two-lane road shortly before 2 p.m., bringing down the utility pole, investigators said.

The pole broke and struck Darrenn Reeves Bradshaw, of Terrell, North Carolina, from behind, killing him, troopers said.

Debbie Cleary and her daughter still can’t believe her great-nephew died.

“All our family is devastated,” said Cleary. “We would like to have continued prayer for everybody. We never thought we would have to say goodbye to someone so full of life.”

Family members said Bradshaw, who is the father of a 10-year-old boy, was outside about to do yard work.

“It looks like it was a low-hanging line that was caught by some of our larger vehicles that pulled the pole down and caused the fatality,” said 1^st Sgt. Brian Black, North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Family members said Bradshaw loved his 10-year-old son and being a father was his greatest joy. They believe lines crossing busy roads should be checked by utility companies.

“I know it was a freak accident, but I was under the impression that somebody had already said something,” Cleary said.

“And I would really just like everybody to remember the person he was and the impact that he had on everybody’s life instead of the tragedy that took him,” said his cousin, Makayla Cleary.

A car was also damaged by the fallen lines and the broken-off pole, but the driver was not hurt.

There will be no charges filed.