A tragic workplace accident in Lakeview claimed the life of a local man on Thursday morning, August 14, while he was carrying out repairs on a building severely damaged by a tornado earlier this year. Authorities confirmed that 48-year-old Alton Joshua Stotler, a resident of Lakeview, died after suffering fatal injuries in the incident.
According to Washington Township Police Chief Michael Thompson, emergency dispatchers received a call around 9:17 a.m. regarding a possible structure fire at 335 E. Brown Street, a site that had sustained extensive damage during the March 2024 tornado outbreak that devastated portions of Logan County.
First responders from the Washington Township Police Department, the Lakeview Fire Department, and Indian Lake EMS were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters located a small fire inside the commercial property and quickly extinguished the flames with assistance from the Indian Joint Fire District.
Investigators determined that the fire and subsequent fatality were linked to construction work underway at the building. Stotler, who was operating heavy machinery at the site, was helping to set roof trusses as part of ongoing structural repairs. During the process, the equipment he was using accidentally made contact with a nearby power line. The accidental contact triggered the fire and resulted in severe injuries to Stotler, who sadly did not survive despite the rapid response of emergency crews.
Additional support at the scene came from the Village of Lakeview Electric Department, the Logan County Coroner’s Office, and Tops Towing, who assisted in securing the site after the accident.
The affected property, a machine shop and storage facility, is owned by James and Kelly Kauffman of Lakeview. The building has remained under reconstruction efforts since it sustained heavy damage during the violent tornado that struck the community earlier in the year, leaving widespread destruction in its path.
Authorities expressed condolences to Stotler’s family and emphasized the risks faced by workers involved in reconstruction efforts following natural disasters. The incident remains under investigation, though officials have indicated it appears to be a tragic accident rather than the result of negligence or foul play.
Further updates are expected to be released as officials continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the accident.