New Jersey Utility Worker’s Death Ruled an Accident

The death of a utility worker who was electrocuted while on the job in central New Jersey has been ruled an accident.

Monmouth County prosecutors announced their findings on Saturday, one day after 20-year-old Richard Grande of Lacey Township was killed while working along on Daum Road in Manalapan.

Grande was an apprentice lineman for Jersey Central Power & Light. Co. Specific details on how the accident occurred have not been disclosed, but published reports have said a utility crew was working on a downed line when Grande apparently came into contact with a wire that turned out to be live.

JCP&L Spokesman Ron Morano said the company was “deeply saddened” by Grande’s death. But Morano declined comment on the accident, citing the ongoing investigations by county and federal officials.