News Summary
Kendle Davis, a bulldozer operator, tragically lost his life at a sandpit in Tyrrell County, NC, when the ground collapsed beneath his bulldozer. Despite attempts to escape, Davis could not swim and drowned. Emergency responders conducted a lengthy search before recovering his body hours later. An investigation into workplace safety protocols is underway, emphasizing the dangers of heavy machinery operations in rural environments.
Tyrrell County, North Carolina – Tragic Accident Claims Life of Bulldozer Operator
Kendle Davis, a bulldozer operator, died in a tragic accident while working at a sandpit in Tyrrell County, North Carolina, on Monday, July 21, 2025. The incident occurred off U.S. Highway 64, east of Columbia, when the ground beneath Davis’ bulldozer collapsed, causing the heavy equipment to plunge into approximately 30 feet of water.
Reports indicate that Davis was pushing dirt into the sandpit when the collapse occurred. Although he was able to exit the cab of the bulldozer, he reportedly could not swim, leading to his tragic fate. His cell phone last recorded activity around noon on the day of the accident.
Concern grew when Davis failed to resurface from the water. His foreman, after attempting to locate him and the bulldozer without success, contacted emergency authorities around 2:40 p.m. The response involved multiple agencies, including dive teams, local fire departments, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and sheriff’s offices, all working together to initiate a search operation. Sonar technology was deployed to assist in locating Davis.
Approximately six and a half hours after the incident, Davis’ body was discovered around 8:30 p.m. and was subsequently pulled from the water. The bulldozer, which had been submerged, was retrieved the following day.
Investigation Underway
The North Carolina Department of Labor has begun an investigation to determine if any workplace violations contributed to the accident that led to Davis’ death. Officials have stated that the investigation will include a review of the safety protocols in place at the work site, the procedures regarding ground stability, and the specific circumstances that led to the collapse of the sandpit.
The identity of the company employing Kendle Davis has not been disclosed at this time. However, inspections and examinations will likely focus on ensuring the compliance of the company with state safety regulations designed to protect employees working with heavy equipment in potentially hazardous environments.
Context of the Incident
Tyrrell County is situated near the North Carolina coast, not far from the popular Nags Head area of the Outer Banks. The rural region relies on several industries, including agriculture and excavation, which often require heavy equipment operation. Incidents involving heavy machinery can be particularly serious, underlining the importance of stringent safety measures and operational protocols within such environments.
This latest incident serves as a somber reminder of the hazards associated with heavy equipment operations. Local authorities are expected to take this accident as an opportunity to reassess safety measures across the industry in Tyrrell County, aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As details surrounding the incident and subsequent investigation continue to unfold, the community and family members of Kendle Davis mourn the loss of a life deeply impacted by the unpredictability of workplace hazards.
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Additional Resources
- WITN: Operator Dies After Bulldozer Ends Up in Tyrrell County Sandpit
- Google Search: Bulldozer Accident Tyrrell County
- WBTV: Man Dies After Bulldozer Falls into Water at North Carolina Jobsite
- Wikipedia: Tyrrell County, North Carolina
- WITN: Two Women Killed in Tyrrell County Crash
- Google Scholar: Bulldozer Accidents Heavy Machinery
- NC Beat: Tyrrell County Bulldozer Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bulldozer
- WITN: Tyrrell County Community Mourns Loss of Columbia Mayor
- Google News: Tyrrell County Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
