Kankakee, IL (March 19, 2026) – A 35-year-old man died after a workplace accident on Wednesday, March 18, at First Church of the Nazarene in Kankakee.
Emergency units were called to the church around 11:22 a.m. after reports of a person who had fallen inside the building. Officials said Sean Curbow of Bourbonnais was working inside the sanctuary when the incident occurred. He had been using a lift to clean a light fixture when he fell approximately 35 feet onto church pews.
Responders spent about 30 minutes freeing him from the lift and the damaged seating. An air ambulance was requested, but he was instead taken to Riverside Medical Center due to his condition, where he later died.
The incident remains under investigation.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim.
What Risks Are Linked to Elevated Work Accidents Indoors?
Areas with multiple access points near E Court Street can complicate emergency responses, especially when incidents occur inside large buildings. Responders in Kankakee often manage movement carefully while assisting those involved.
Working at heights indoors, such as on lifts or ladders, carries serious risks if equipment shifts or balance is lost. Falls from elevated positions can lead to severe injuries, especially when hard surfaces or fixed structures are below.
Rescue efforts in these situations may take longer when a person becomes trapped in equipment or debris. The layout of the space and the height involved can affect how quickly help can reach the person and safely remove them.
