A worker who fell into a sewage tank and died has been identified as a 56-year-old man from Belle Plaine.
Jerome R. Connolly was killed Aug. 5 at the Belle Plaine water treatment plant, according to the Hennepin County medical examiner's office. Connolly suffered "multiple chop injuries" and drowned, the medical examiner's office said Friday.
Officials in Minnesota with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are among those investigating the circumstances leading to Connolly's death. Connolly, also known as Jerry or Patches, worked for the city for 23 years.
Away from work, Connolly played softball for many years with friends and umpired the sport in Belle Plaine, New Prague and other nearby communities. A memorial softball tournament is scheduled for Oct. 3 in Belle Plaine, with some of the proceeds going to his family.
Connolly is survived by a wife and two daughters.
Paul Walsh
