City employee dies at construction site

MONTROSE — A man working for the city of Montrose was killed Friday morning after a rolling compactor he was operating fell on him.

Shane L. Deines, 38, was operating the machine on the Cerise Park access road when it rolled over an embankment. He came too close to the side and hit loose dirt, Montrose Police Cmdr. Gene Lillard said.

"It laid over on its left side, which ejected Mr. Deines," Lillard said. "He fell underneath."

A co-worker saw the accident and ran to help as another called 911. The first witness used a backhoe and chain to lift the roller off Deines, Lillard said.

Deines was transported to the Montrose Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before noon.

"Our most sincere condolences go out to the family of Shane Deines," Lillard said. "It's very tragic."

Deines began with the city as a utility worker in February 2005. He was promoted to maintenance worker/equipment operator II last February, David Spear, city public information officer said.

"He was a valued employee and he'll be missed," he said.

Spear said work efforts ceased for the Friday and would likely continue at the site next week.

Lillard said police officer Larry McMaster, who was shot and killed April 1983, is the last city employee he remembers who lost his life on the job.