Landscaping – Working with Machinery Fatality File

Landscaper Killed in Machinery Accident at Texas College

In March 2025, Jorge Gonzales, a 55-year-old groundskeeper, tragically lost his life while operating a riding lawnmower at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas. According to the San Antonio Police Department, Gonzales drove the mower over a ledge, causing it to overturn and fall into a drainage ditch. The heavy equipment landed on top of him, and despite immediate rescue efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. ​

This incident underscores the critical importance of proper training and safety protocols when operating landscaping machinery, especially in areas with potential hazards like steep embankments or uneven terrain. Employers must ensure that all equipment operators are adequately trained to recognize and navigate such risks, and that machinery is equipped with safety features to prevent rollovers.​

In response to the tragedy, Northwest Vista College expressed deep condolences to Gonzales’s family and colleagues, emphasizing the need for heightened safety measures. The college also offered counseling services to students and staff affected by the incident.

Source: News4sanantonio.com