61yearold Public Works employee killed by dump truck near Blue Summit
Jan 06, 2025
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A 61-year-old Jackson County Public Works employee has been identified as the victim of a deadly crash involving a dump truck near unincorporated Blue Summit Sunday afternoon.
Initial reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol said that around 4:20 p.m. on Sunday, a dump truck was driving on Ashland Avenue, north of 20th Street when it stopped to let out a male passenger.
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The dump truck then slid on the roadway, hitting the passenger and a nearby parked Honda CRV.
MSHP confirmed the passenger was pronounced dead less than 20 minutes later by emergency response teams.
No identity had been confirmed until Monday when Jackson County officials released a statement saying a team member of Public Works, 61-year-old Everett Carter, had been killed while removing snow around Blue Summit.
The family also confirmed to FOX4 that Carter was the victim in the MSHP's initial report.
“It’s tragic. I'm sorry about the guy's family,” David Gannico, a neighbor who saw Sunday’s crash, said on Monday.
Gannico said it was before 5 p.m. Sunday, when a Jackson County truck driver had gotten stuck on that hill while plowing. A spokesperson for the Missouri State Highway Patrol said Carter was one of two additional employees sent to help that stuck driver. When Carter and another county employee stepped out of the second truck to help the stranded driver, their truck began to slide.
"The guys had their brakes on, trying to go slow, plowing our street. Once they got to the peak of that hill, all we could see was their brake lights, but their rig was still going, going, going,” Gannico said.
According to the news release, Carter has served in public works for the last eight years and has been an associate of Jackson County for 40 years. His loved ones said he was due to retire in three weeks.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire Jackson County family,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr.
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“Everett Carter dedicated four decades of his life to serving our community with pride and professionalism. We will forever be grateful for his service and deeply miss his presence. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
After the deadly crash, all snow removal crews around Jackson County were pulled to give teams the time to process the accident. Crews eventually resumed their work at 7 a.m. Monday.
Richard “Huey” Anthony, a lifelong friend of Carter’s, described him as someone who is generous and loving with everyone.
“He was a wonderful person. I don't know how the world will survive without him. I really don't. He was a super person,” Anthony told FOX4 News on Monday.
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MSHP’s report said both men were hit by the sliding truck, and Carter was killed. The second driver, who isn’t being identified, was also taken to the hospital.
"We appreciate the continued patience of residents in unincorporated areas as we navigate this challenging time," Jackson County said.
Investigations into the death of Carter are being conducted by the MSHP, and according to initial reports, it was the first deadly crash and fatality of 2025 for Troop A.
"This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dedication and risks faced by public servants like Mr. Carter, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities," Jackson County said.
"We ask that you keep his family and all our public workers in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to serve with unwavering commitment."
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Carter didn’t have biological children, according to an email sent to FOX4 by his loved ones. Victoria Lorenzo is among those who said Carter was like a father to them.
"He showed me what a father truly is and taught me to be kind to others," Lorenzo said.
“I wish this never happened. I love Everett. He was the hardest worker I ever knew and he was teaching me to be just like him. I will miss him forever,” Javier Lorenzo, who refers to Carter as being his uncle, said.
Jackson County leaders are cooperating with MSHP as the investigation continues. Meantime, no funeral plans for Carter have been shared publicly.