On the morning of November 17th, ranger Ryan Levins was notified of an accident with an injured person at an oil pad on Eleven Mile Road. When he arrived on scene, the victim – Able Dominges – had been flown by helicopter to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Investigation revealed that Dominges, an employee of Breitburn Energy, an oil company with production facilities within the park, was standing on the platform of the tower at oil pad 2, also known as the “Rod Basket,” when the accident occurred. A large tool was being hoisted up to the platform, about 75 feet above the ground, when it hit Dominges in the upper torso and stomach, pinning him to the tower. Other workers were able to free him within minutes. He then collapsed, complaining of stomach, chest and side pain. He was also having trouble breathing and spitting blood. The medevac helicopter soon arrived and took him to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Rangers and an OSHA compliance officer are conducting an investigation into his death. Operation at that location has been suspended.
