CEDAR CITY, Iron County, Utah, Oct. 28, 2026 — A 24-year-old construction worker died on Tuesday morning, October 27, after a dump truck backed into him at a job site west of Cedar City, according to the Iron County Sheriff's Office.
The man was reportedly bent down greasing the bucket of an excavator when a pickup-style dump truck, driven by another employee of the same construction company, backed into him. The site sits in an area under construction behind Sonrise Christian Church, near 1800 North and Iron Springs Road.
Deputies arrived at the scene around 10:29 a.m. and found the worker had been struck and pinned by the truck. A medical helicopter was called out but canceled once it was clear the injuries were fatal, the sheriff's office reported. The Iron County Sheriff's Office, Utah Highway Patrol and Cedar City Fire Department all responded.
Authorities said the case remains under investigation but described it as an apparent accident, with no charges filed as of Tuesday. Family members later identified the man as Truman Yardley.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
More on Crashes in Cedar City, UT
This fatal crash happened on Iron Springs Road in Cedar City, UT. We cover crashes across Iron County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Iron County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do large trucks like dump trucks have limited visibility when backing up?
Dump trucks and other heavy equipment have wide blind spots directly behind and to the sides of the cab, usually large enough to hide a standing adult. Spotters, backup alarms, and mirrors help, but they don't eliminate the risk.
What makes job-site vehicle accidents different from typical traffic crashes?
On a construction site, workers and heavy equipment usually share tight, unmarked space without the lane lines or signals used on roads. Low speeds don't prevent serious injury when a worker is caught between or under a vehicle.
What should happen after a workplace accident like this one?
Employers are generally expected to secure the scene, notify emergency responders, and cooperate with any safety investigation. Coworkers and witnesses may be asked to provide statements as officials determine what happened.
What to Do After a Workplace Vehicle Accident in Cedar City, UT
If you witness or are involved in a job-site accident, call 911 immediately and keep others away from moving equipment until it's shut down. Anyone injured, even if symptoms seem minor at first, should be checked by a medical professional, since injuries from being struck or pinned can be more serious than they first appear. Take note of what you saw, including where equipment and workers were positioned, since this can help investigators later. Employers and coworkers should preserve the scene as much as possible until officials have finished documenting it. In the days after, it helps to lean on coworkers, supervisors, or local support resources, since workplace deaths affect an entire crew, not just one family.
