The discovery of a water treatment plant worker’s body inside a water tank in late June led to a regional boil advisory for Ottawa County in Ohio across a large distribution system.
Local law enforcement officials at the sheriff’s office say that no foul play is suspected in the June 23 death of Jeffrey Kukay, who had worked for 20 years at the Ottawa County Water Treatment Plant.
Kukay, 60, was found face down in the filter tank strapped to a harness, according to officials. The harness was attached to a safety line running down the middle of a ladder. Some media reports have suggested that his feet were caught behind the ladder’s rungs.
Kukay had been working an overnight shift by himself and had last conducted sampling just after the start of his shift at 7 p.m. He was found just before the end of the 12-hour shift.
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Following the discovery of Kukay’s body, the open-top tank was drained and a boil water advisory was issued for the surrounding area. The Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) lifted the advisory for all areas after water testing confirmed the water was safe to drink and use.
Ottawa County says it is working with state officials at the Environmental Protection Agency, the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program, and the Ottawa County EMA to investigate the incident and support the public.
Kukay, an avid gardener, is survived by four daughters.
People should never work alone. In the mines, one always worked with another person. When walking in strange surroundings or a night, one must never walk alone.