It’s with great sorrow that we announce the passing of two IBEW members — IBEW Local 676 Journeyman Lineman Jimmy Wasdin, age 41, and IBEW Local 1245 Fourth Step Apprentice Lineman Travis Shull, age 29 — who lost their lives in a workplace accident near Fairfield, CA on June 2, 2020. Details are still emerging, but it appears that the members were performing linework for Wilson Construction when their helicopter (which was operated by a contractor) went down between Vacaville and Fairfield. The helicopter pilot, Roscoe Gray, who was not a union member but had many friends and family at PG&E and IBEW Local 1245, also lost his life in the accident.
“We are absolutely devastated by the news we received late yesterday regarding this on-the-job accident. Our hearts go our to the families of these two IBEW brothers whose lives were cut short by this terrible tragedy,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell. “Linework comes with many very serious risks, and the founders of the IBEW understood that above all, our union must stand up for the safety of all electrical and utility workers. As we collectively mourn for Brother Wasdin and Brother Shull, we must simultaneously renew our commitment to safety on the job, today and every day.”
The accident is under investigation, and more information will be shared here once it becomes available.
UPDATE 6.5: A celebration of life will be held for Travis James Shull on July 11, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Golden Beaver Distillery, 13464 Brown Valley Rd. Chico, CA 95973. The friends and family of Travis Shull have also set up a GoFundMe, and donations can be made at https://gf.me/u/x673nx.