Brevard, NC (February 12, 2026) – A 21-year-old man has been identified following a fatal accident at the Transylvania County Landfill expansion site earlier this week. The incident occurred on February 10 at the landfill located on Howell Rd, according to a February 11 release from the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Details
- Location: 500 Howell Rd, Brevard
- Reported: February 10
- Type: Fatal workplace accident involving heavy equipment
- Victim: Dearrius Weston, 21, of Arkansas
- Incident: Pinned by a large piece of equipment
- Status: Investigation ongoing by the Sheriff’s Office
What We Know So Far
- Authorities say Weston was working as a contract employee during the final stages of the landfill’s expansion project.
- Preliminary findings indicate he was pinned to the ground by heavy equipment.
- Emergency personnel initiated life-saving efforts after freeing him.
- He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact sequence of events leading up to the accident
- What type of equipment was involved
- Whether additional safety reviews will be conducted
- If any workplace violations contributed to the incident
Local Context
The Transylvania County Landfill is located on Howell Rd in Brevard, with access from Old Toxaway Rd and U.S. 64. The site has been undergoing an approximately six-acre lateral expansion as part of ongoing county waste management operations. This area sits outside the central downtown district but remains an active work zone tied to county infrastructure. Incidents at industrial or construction-related sites such as this often involve heavy machinery operating in close quarters. The Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident as part of its ongoing investigation.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved or witnessed the incident, remain at the scene and cooperate with first responders or investigators.
- Follow directions from emergency personnel and avoid entering active work zones unless authorized.
- Write down what you observed while the details are still fresh, especially if you may be asked to provide a statement.
- Keep any official paperwork or contact information provided by authorities for future reference.
FAQ
Q: Can an investigation continue after the scene is cleared?
A: Yes. Even after emergency crews leave, investigators may continue reviewing evidence, workplace procedures, and witness statements to determine exactly what occurred.
Q: Why do workplace equipment accidents often require detailed investigations?
A: Incidents involving heavy machinery can involve multiple factors, including equipment operation, safety protocols, and site conditions, all of which must be carefully reviewed.
Q: What happens when law enforcement responds to a fatal incident?
A: Officers secure the scene, coordinate with emergency medical personnel, gather evidence and statements, and work to determine the cause before releasing confirmed information.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
