Lineman electrocuted while working near Rusk | Local News

A power lineman, identified on Facebook by family members as Dewayne Cantrell, was electrocuted Monday while at work near Rusk.

Daughter Tammy Cantrell said on a GoFUndMe page that her father was badly burned and lost both arms.

“Numerous surgeries and rehabilitation will be necessary. Anything can help,” she said. “Thank you all so much. He is a loving husband, father of three and has seven grandchildren. Once again, thank you all for your prayers. Keep us in it during these times.

The GoFundMe account had raised $27,550 of a $50,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon as of 2 p.m.

His daughter Christin Cantrell said on Facebook that her father had been a lineman for many years, but she never thought this would happen. She too – via Facebook, asked for prayers for the family.

Cherokee Electrical Contractors/CEC posted a different type of request on Facebook after hearing about Cantrell's injuries.

“Please do not plug your portable generator into your home's circuit breaker panel (or a power outlet in your home) without the proper equipment to avoid back-feeding into power lines! » the message read.

The company even offered to check individual installations in Cherokee County for free.

“We don't know if this is what happened in this particular case, but we appreciate everything these guys are doing to get our power restored and want to keep everyone safe,” the post concludes.

To contribute to the GoFundMe account, visit gofund.me/0300ff90.