NEW LABANON – State Police
are investigating a fatal accident at a private residence on Route 5 in
New Lebanon Thursday afternoon.
Jesse Finley, 38, of New Lebanon, was assisting a family member install
footing drainage around the house. Finley was inside an eight-foot deep
ditch connecting drain pipe when the sides of the trench collapsed, burying
him, police said.
Family members and first responders attempted rescue efforts, but he was
pronounced dead at the scene by the Chatham Rescue Squad.
State Police were assisted by Chatham Rescue Squad, New York State Fire,
Lebanon Valley Protective Association, Columbia County Coroner Michael
Blasl, and the Colonie Fire Company trench Rescue/Technical Rescue Unit.
