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Hernando Today

Sears Worker In Fair Condition

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By HERNANDO TODAY STAFF

Published: February 14, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Four people came to the assistance of a Sears employee who was crushed by a machine while working Tuesday afternoon at the store in the Coastal Way Plaza on Cortez Boulevard.

Authorities say John Hartvell was unloading boxes in the back of a semi-trailer truck with the help of a forklift-type machine called a W.A.V.E.

Typically, the machine requires both feet on a pair of pedals to elevate the platform, but the one at Sears was broken and only worked with the left foot, according to a report.

An associate left Hartvell, 56, for five to six minutes to help a customer and returned to find Hartvell's head crushed between the W.A.V.E. and the semi's roof.

The associate didn't know how to lower the W.A.V.E manually, so he yelled for help. His cry was heard by a loss prevention officer and another associate, who rushed over and brought Hartvell to the ground.

The victim was conscious and had a pulse, but he was barely breathing, a deputy reported. Hartvell was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital and was listed in fair condition Wednesday.

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