The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the worker who tragically lost his life in an excavator accident at Academy Quarry on Tollhouse Road in Fresno County. The victim was 35-year-old Jonathan Swarthout of Los Banos, a dedicated husband and father of four.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, while Swarthout was operating an excavator to load rocks into a dump truck. According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the excavator overturned during the operation, causing the cab to land against a large boulder. This pinned Swarthout inside, resulting in fatal injuries.
Deputies responded to the scene around 8:00 a.m. after reports of an injured person. Upon arrival, they found Swarthout trapped between the excavator and the boulder. Firefighters worked to free him, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Swarthout’s untimely death has deeply affected the local community, where he was known as a hardworking and devoted family man. He leaves behind his wife and four children, who are now grappling with this profound loss.
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to evaluate safety measures at the site. This inquiry aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of workers in similar high-risk environments.
The community joins in mourning the loss of Jonathan Swarthout, extending heartfelt condolences to his family during this heartbreaking time.
