Poquoson teen killed in wood chipper accident

Poquoson teen killed in wood chipper accident

Poquoson teen killed in wood chipper accident

Poquoson teen killed in wood chipper accident

poquson_teen_woodchipper_scene_20091122182233_JPG

Large Map
  • Newport News
Homecoming scheduled at Fort Eustis
Homecoming scheduled at Fort Eustis

Saturday, 200 Fort Eustis soldiers are coming home from …

Three shot in NNews' east end
Three shot in NNews' east end

Newport News police are on the scene of a triple shooting in …

Father wanted for alleged child abuse
Father wanted for alleged child abuse

Police in Newport News are looking for a man accused of abusing…

NN police add DUI patrols this weekend
NN police add DUI patrols this weekend

Newport News police will be stepping up their DUI patrol …

Man accused of inappropriate messages
Man accused of inappropriate messages

A Newport News man is accused of using a computer to …

Advertisement

Teen killed in wood chipper accident

Updated: Thursday, 20 May 2010, 5:26 PM EDT
Published : Sunday, 22 Nov 2009, 6:25 PM EST

POQUOSON, Va. (WAVY) - Grief counselors were at Poquoson High School Monday to help students deal with the sudden, tragic loss of one of their classmates.

Fourteen-year old Frank Anthony Gornik of Poquoson died in a wood chipper accident Sunday evening.

Poquoson Police Chief Cliff Bowen told WAVY.com, Gornik was working with Old Dominion Tree and Lawn Care Service at a home on Wagner Road.

"They were doing some tree trimming and using a chipper machine to grind up some of the debris," Bowen said. "Apparently one of the members of the crew was shoveling debris into the back of the chipper, at which time the shovel he was using got caught in the blades and pulled him into the machine."

Gornik died at the scene, Bowen said.

"Based on everything we know this is an accident," said Chief Bowen. "It's one the most tragic accidents I've seen in my 25 years of law enforcement."

Reached by phone at his home Sunday night, Poquoson High School Principal Bernard Wright said, "This was a tragic accident. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this young man."

"Our crisis team will be there [Monday] with our counselors and counselors from other schools," said Principal Wright.

Wright deferred further questions to the school district spokesperson.

Tuesday, a few of the first responders arriving at last Sunday's tragic accident where Gornik was killed, will get professional counseling services during a critical incident stress debriefing.

Deputy Chief Michael Bryant of Poquoson Fire Rescue said,"If its bothering them  this gives them an outlet to discuss it. We certainly don't want this to be ignored or prolonged."

He believes this gives them a chance to move on from what they've experienced. The sessions are private and follow ups will be available if needed.

Many areas, including Poquoson, are still cleaning up following a Nor'easter two weeks ago.

A charitable fund has been set up for Frank Gornik's family. If you'd like to help go to any Old Point National Bank and make a donation in his name.

Related Link:

Facebook page in memory of Frank Gornik

  • Comments

Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users or are offensive in nature may be removed. WAVY is not responsible for the content posted in this comment section. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."

 

Advertisement

Advertisement