WILLOUGHBY, OH — A tragic workplace accident claimed the life of Michael Schutrich, a 30-year-old Ohio resident, on Monday morning after a box truck struck a lift he was working in, violently throwing him across the street.
The fatal incident occurred around 9:47 a.m. outside DavEd Jewelers, a well-known business located along a commercial strip in Willoughby. Schutrich had been elevated in a cherry picker—a red lift truck used for high-reach repairs—while performing maintenance on the store’s illuminated signage.
According to a statement from the Willoughby Police Department, a Ryder box truck traveling along the roadway unexpectedly collided with the extended lift. The impact of the crash caused the lift’s bucket to jolt violently, launching Schutrich into the air. Witnesses described the moment as harrowing; the force of the impact propelled him across the street, where he landed on a nearby vehicle.
Immediate Response, But Efforts Unsuccessful
Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene. In a moment of bravery and compassion, an off-duty nurse who witnessed the incident rushed to Schutrich’s side and began administering CPR in an attempt to save his life. Paramedics soon arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have confirmed that Schutrich was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, a detail that has sparked discussions about safety practices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) on worksites involving elevated risks.
Truck Driver Cooperating with Authorities
The driver of the Ryder box truck, who has not been publicly identified, was not physically injured in the crash. Police describe him as visibly shaken and cooperating fully with the investigation. No citations or charges have been announced as of yet, and authorities are continuing to assess the circumstances, including whether visibility, speed, or human error may have played a role.
Investigators are working to determine how the crash occurred and whether proper traffic safety measures and warnings were in place around the work area.
A Life Cut Short
Michael Schutrich’s death has left friends, family, and coworkers devastated. Described by those who knew him as hard-working, kind-hearted, and reliable, Schutrich was reportedly known for his dedication to his trade and his strong work ethic. He was part of a maintenance and sign repair crew contracted for work at the jewelry store.
Community members and local businesses have begun to express their condolences and pay tribute to a life lost far too soon.
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
The tragic nature of the incident has also reignited conversations about workplace safety and precautions, particularly for roadside and high-elevation labor. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and may conduct a formal review of the accident, given its nature and fatal outcome.
Deputy Chief of Police and other officials have urged both drivers and work crews to exercise heightened caution in high-traffic work zones. Safety advocates are calling for increased enforcement and awareness around the importance of PPE, clear signage, and traffic control protocols at active job sites.
A Community in Mourning
As the Willoughby community processes the loss, grief counselors and support resources have been made available to the victim’s coworkers and those who witnessed the traumatic event. No funeral details have been released at this time, but friends and family are expected to share arrangements in the coming days.
In Memory of Michael Schutrich
Michael Schutrich’s passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the risks faced by workers in the field every day. As investigations continue and the community searches for answers, his family now begins the painful journey of grieving a young man whose life was cut short in the line of duty.
He will be remembered not just for how he died, but for how he lived—with dedication, humility, and heart.