Police identify worker electrocuted in utility bucket truck

GoFundMe campaigns set up to support Frederick man’s family

July 10, 2024 8:50 p.m.

This story, originally published at 4:50 p.m. July 10, 2024, was updated at 10:45 a.m. July 11, 2024, to include more information about the fundraising campaigns.

Montgomery County police have identified Osmar Daniel Chavarria of Frederick as the utility worker who was electrocuted Tuesday in a bucket truck in Ashton.

Chavarria, 39, was working in the raised bucket in the 200 block of Ashton Road when he was “electrocuted for reasons unknown at this time,” police said Wednesday in a statement. No foul play is expected.

- Advertisement -

Two GoFundMe campaigns have been set up to provide support for Chavarria’s family, noting that he was a father of three children.

“Osmar was a devoted husband to Carmen Chavarria, a loving father to Jr, Alex, and Damien, a cherished son, and a beloved uncle. His departure leaves a void in our lives that can never be filled,” said a GoFundMe page organized by Vanessa Monterrosa of Boonsboro. “Osmar and Carmen shared a life brimming with love and happiness. As a father, Osmar was a source of wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support for his children. His devotion to his family was evident in every moment spent together.”

As of Thursday morning, the fund had raised more than $51,000 of a $75,000 goal.

Another GoFundMe campaign organized by James Perkins of Frederick, who appeared to be a co-worker of Chavarria, had raised almost $1,800 of a $20,000 goal as of Thursday morning.

“Yesterday we lost a great guy and an awesome co-worker, Osmar Daniel Chavarria. He left behind a wife and three young kids that need our help now,” Perkins wrote.

Sponsored
Face of the Week

Police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) crews responded shortly before noon Tuesday at the site where Chavarria was working for a report of an electrocution.

According to radio transmissions, flames could be seen from the bucket of a Verizon utility truck, but people on the ground could no longer see Chavarria.

The Baltimore Gas and Electrical Co., which responded to the area to turn off the electricity, had cut power by about 12:45 p.m., allowing MCFRS crews to reach Chavarria, according to MCFRS radio transmissions.

Chavarria was pronounced dead at the scene, MCFRS acting spokesperson David Pazos wrote on social media shortly before 1:30 p.m.

More than 150 customers in the area were without power as of 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to the power company’s website. Power was restored at about 1:30 p.m.

- Advertisement -

Police closed Ashton Road between New Hampshire Avenue and Ligon Lane after the incident. All lanes had reopened as of about 6 p.m., according to the county.

Digital Partners

Enter our essay contest