ORANGEFIELD — A man working on a construction project at a local school district died after being electrocuted on Friday afternoon.

Dr. Stephen Patterson, superintendent of the Orangefield Independent School District, confirmed a 55-year-old man working as a subcontractor for McKinstry Construction on the current construction project at Orangefield Junior High School, was electrocuted and died Friday. A press release issued late Friday by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man as Tommy Moser of LaPorte, Texas.
Patterson was unable to confirm the identity of the individual, but stated he had personally met the man on Thursday afternoon.
“This is just an incredibly tragic situation,” Patterson said in a telephone interview. “Orangefield ISD is saddened at the loss of this man, and our hearts go out to the family of this individual who lost his life.
“He was just one of the nicest people you could meet,” Patterson continued. “He was very friendly when I spoke with him on Thursday. I can’t begin to imagine what his family is going through now.”
Patterson had met with the family already on Friday following the incident.
He stated the incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m., Friday.
“Attempts made to revive him were unsuccessful,” Patterson added. “Even after the ambulance personnel got there and transported him to the hospital.”
Joy Dubose-Simonton, Orange County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 3, was called to the scene and ordered an inquest.
The press release stated Moser came into contact with an electrical panel which was live and was electrocuted.
An investigation is continuing into the incident, but, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the early indication is that the incident was an accident.