The Curry County Sheriff's Office says deputies and the Clovis Fire Department responded to what was reported as an industrial accident. Rescuers found the worker in several feet of standing water and began rendering aid at the scene. He was taken by ambulance to Plains Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Officials identified him as lineman Ian Massey of Clovis. The incident happened while crews worked to restore power, work that often ramps up after severe weather knocks lines down.
For people who live near the coop's service area, the death is a reminder of what utility crews risk every time storms roll through and lights go out. Downed lines and flooded ground can turn routine repair work into something far more dangerous.
A man who worked to keep the lights on for his neighbors didn't make it home Friday night.