GreenWaste driver struck, then killed by own truck

SAN JOSE » Police are investigating the death of a GreenWaste truck driver who was hit and killed by his own work vehicle Friday morning, authorities said.

The incident, reported at 7:54 a.m., occurred on westbound Camden Avenue at El Paseo Drive, according to San Jose police Officer Gina Tepoorten. Police say the driver, a 45-year-old Gustine man, was out of the truck when he was run over.

It is the city’s 10th trafficrelated fatality of the year. As of late Friday afternoon, the victim had not been formally identified by the coroner’s office, but the company said in a statement that it has notified his family.

“We’re still investigating how the accident occurred,” Tepoorten said. “It was a tragic accident.”

Police have notified CalOSHA, the state workplace-safety watchdog. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the accident.

GreenWaste officials Friday were mourning the man’s death, which was the first employee fatality in the company’s 27-year history. A grief counseling team was summoned to provide support for the man’s family and his colleagues.

“We don’t yet know exactly what happened but are cooperating with investigators from the San Jose Police Department and CalOSHA,” the company said in a statement. “Our company is a very close team, and we join the late driver’s family in mourning the loss of a very special person.”