Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Elderly Black Woman Identified as Fifth Fatality in FedEx World Hub Accident

The FedEx World Hub in Memphis, Tennessee, was the site of a tragic accident two weeks ago, resulting in the death of an elderly Black woman. The victim has been identified as Verna Mae Jackson, an 86-year-old package handler at the facility. Authorities have revealed that Jackson’s death marks the fifth fatality following an injury at the job.

According to reports from The Daily Memphian, Jackson’s role involved handling larger freights that were shipped to major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Tragically, her life was cut short when she was crushed by a dolly carrying a load of mail. The accident occurred when a tug driver failed to use his horn to signal his movement, and Jackson, noticing a loose envelope, scurried behind to retrieve it.

Authorities found Jackson’s body beneath the 2,500-pound dolly and she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The incident has raised concerns as Jackson is now the fifth Black person to lose their life at the FedEx World Hub in the past six years, according to a report from Action News 5.

It’s the busiest time of year for FedEx and one of the hardest for families of loved ones who’ve lost their lives at the World Hub.

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One year ago, on November 30, Angelo Scott tragically lost his life after the UTV he was driving was struck by an industrial truck. Jessica James met a similar fate last February when the forklift she was operating toppled over. In 2019, Duntate Young was fatally hit by a shipping container door, and in 2017, grandmother Ellen Gladney was found under a motorized mobile conveyor belt system.

The presence of an elderly woman in such a potentially hazardous work environment raises questions. Attorney Jeff Rosenblum, who has represented the families of ten previous victims of accidents at the FedEx World Hub, argues that Jackson’s age was not the primary factor leading to her death. Instead, Rosenblum points out that the surge in activity during the holiday season often prioritizes packages over the safety of workers. He also highlights the lack of training for temporary employees and the neglect in updating facility equipment as contributing factors to the safety issues.

Rosenblum stated, “Miss Jackson loved her job. It gave her purpose. She loved her co-workers and the camaraderie. She was supportive of them, and they were supportive of her. I don’t want to take that self-worth away from anybody who has the ability to work. They have the right to make that decision for themselves, and if they think they do, then the employer has the obligation to determine if they do.”

FedEx has faced previous fines of up to $50,000 for accidents at the FedEx World Hub. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) had uncovered a series of violations, which FedEx had reportedly agreed to address. It remains unclear whether TOSHA will launch an additional investigation following Jackson’s tragic death.

In response to the incident, FedEx expressed their condolences, stating, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who are mourning their loved one. Safety is our highest priority, and we are investigating the circumstances of this accident.”

As the investigations continue, the FedEx World Hub faces scrutiny over its safety protocols and the well-being of its workers during this demanding period.

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