Overturned Lawn Mower Traps Worker Underwater in Florida

A 56-year-old lawn worker was seriously injured Feb. 8 in Coral Springs, Fla., after his riding mower fell into a canal, pinning him underwater for almost 10 minutes, police said.

The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. after the L&D Complete Lawn Care crew arrived at the property to cut the grass and trim and tend the shrubs.

Capt. Jeff Maslan, police spokesman, said Claudius Dufresne, of North Lauderdale, was riding a mower along the sloped banks of a canal when it went off, plunging 3 feet into the water below. The machine landed on top of Dufresne, pinning him underneath.

A neighbor saw the accident and called 911 for help, then ran to the canal and aided arriving police and firefighters, who pulled the man from underwater.

Maslan estimated the man had been under the water from 8 to 10 minutes.

Dufresne was taken to Coral Springs Medical Center, where he has since been placed on a life support system. He was listed in critical condition.