Clayton County

Man killed when truck falls on him at salvage yard

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Clayton County police are calling it a freak accident after a pickup truck landed on top of a salvage yard worker.

The worker died at the scene in Ellenwood.

Police told Channel 2's Audrey Washington that Michael Hilley, 31, was pulling a part from underneath the pickup truck when something went wrong and the truck landed on top of him.

Customer Randolph Hayes said he knew something terrible happened when he walked inside Southern Auto Salvage Company to pick up a part Tuesday.

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“It’s a bad situation,” Hayes told Washington. “I’m sad for that family.”

Investigator said Hilley was removing a part from the truck, which was being held up by a forklift, when the truck fell directly on top of him.

Hilley was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police told Washington they believe it was an accident and they do not suspect foul play. No charges will be filed in the case.

“These things happen, unfortunately,” Hayes said.

It’s still unclear how long Hilley had worked at Southern Auto Salvage. Washington tried to speak with the manager but he was unavailable.