Sheriff: Montevallo man, 74, killed in lawn mower accident

ScoutmasterRick · Jul 10, 2017

Sheriff: Montevallo man, 74, killed in lawn mower accident

MONTEVALLO, AL -

A Montevallo man is dead after a freak accident involving a bush hog.

Chilton County Sheriff's Deputies say Larry Smitherman, 74, was killed while cutting grass Saturday in the 800 block of County Road 109 in Montevallo. His wife told investigators he didn't return to the house so she went to check on him and found him underneath the mower.

Investigators say it appears a garden hose got wrapped around one of the blades. They say the mower somehow lowered itself on top of him while he was trying to untangle it.

Deputies say Smitherman was a long time pharmacist at Smitherman's Pharmacy in Montevallo.

From WAFF 48 News

ruffdog · Jul 10, 2017

Yeah, my dad was working under the cutter when it came down on him. He was able to get out but it was a close one.

mddorange · Jul 10, 2017

Anytime I have to do anything under my bush hog, I attach Chains to it to keep it up.

Turbys_1700 · Jul 11, 2017

I utilize jack stands when I get under the RFM or brush hog. If I am out and need to get under it in the field I don't. I drive the tractor back to the shop. So far I've not needed to get under the hog while out in the fields I'm attending to. I know the areas well. Terrible tragedy.

ruffdog · Jul 11, 2017

Anything is better than nothing...roll a big chunk of wood under it, use some concrete blocks.....

rd_macgregor · Jul 11, 2017

When I first glanced at the heading, I saw "74 killed in lawn mower accident"! Commas are sure important!

I use a couple of big blocks of wood to hold my mower up if I need to work under it.

M5farms · Jul 11, 2017

I used to use wood blocks until a 4ft finish mower setting on wood blocks split and killed my first cousins husband 2 yrs ago. It was a sight I will never forget .

jack stands or turn it upside down