     ACCORDING TO INITIAL POLICE INVESTIGATION,  DECEASED WAS EMPLOYED AT HERTZ  AS A HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC.  ON AUGUST 2, 1996 HE WAS POSSIBLY WORKING ON A BACKHOE WHEN HIS HEAD WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN A STABILIZING ARM AND THE MACHINE.  HE WAS EXTRICATED FROM THE MACHINERY APPARENTLY BY CO-WORKERS AND REPORTEDLY WALKED TO THE REST ROOM WHERE HE COLLAPSED MOMENTS LATER.  FIRE RESCUE WAS SUMMONED AND AIRLIFTED HIM TO JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.
     UPON ARRIVAL, CYANOTIC WITHOUT ANY SPONTANEOUS BREATHING AND IN CARDIAC ARREST.  DIAGNOSIS WAS CRUSHING INJURY TO HEAD.  AN EKG SHOWED FLAT LINE - DESPITE EFFORTS TO RESUSCITATE, HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT 5:09 P.M.. 