Utility worker dies after burns

FLORENCE - A Coleman man has died after being shocked and burned while working on a power line.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office said 28-year-old Michael Rhode died as a result of the injuries suffered Saturday morning. Officials said a neighbor found Rhode hanging from his safety harness about 40 feet in the air.

His clothes were burned off, but he was still conscious. He was initially flown to a burn center for treatment.

The Milwaukee County coroner’s office notified Florence County officials of the death Tuesday morning.

OSHA is still investigating the death.mich