Worker Killed in Accidental Electrocution at Tuscaloosa’s BF Goodrich Plant

An investigation is underway after an accidental electrocution on Monday inside Tuscaloosa's BF Goodrich tire manufacturing plant killed a worker there.

Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, confirmed to the Thread that they are assisting an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, but stressed this is not a criminal investigation.

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"On June  22nd, 2025, an employee at the BF Goodrich Manufacturing Plant in Tuscaloosa was transported to DCH and then to UAB for life-threatening injuries," Kennedy said. "The employee was exposed to high-voltage electricity and suffered severe injuries. At this time, June 25th, 2025, the patient is not expected to survive."

The Violent Crimes Unit is a team comprised of detectives from the Tuscaloosa, Northport, and University of Alabama Police Departments and the County Sheriff's Office. They transcend jurisdictional boundaries and investigate almost all in-county deaths that occur outside of a hospital setting, and their involvement in this case does not indicate suspicion of foul play.

"The Violent Crimes Unit was notified and are working alongside the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Medical Examiner and Occupational Safety and Health Administration," Kennedy told the Thread. "No criminal act is suspected at this time. VCU’s involvement is in conducting a preliminary investigation alongside the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. The investigations into any related work conditions will be conducted by OSHA."

UPDATE: Paul Patterson of the Patterson Law Firm has issued a statement to the Tuscaloosa Thread on behalf of the family of Jeremy Waltrip, the employee who suffered the electrocution.

He was able to explain the difference in reports that Waltrip had died on Monday and the police account on Wednesday that he was "not expected to survive."

"The family appreciates the outpouring of love and prayers from the community. Sadly, Jeremy did not survive this preventable industrial workplace accident," Patterson said. "Jeremy was an organ donor, and preparations are being made for that process. My law firm will make additional statements about this incident in the coming days."

UPDATE: Michelin North America also issued a statement to the Thread Wednesday morning.

"We are deeply saddened by this loss," said Sarah Janicz, the company's corporate PR Manager. "Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones. We are committed to the health and safety of our employees and support a full investigation into this incident."

For more details if and when they are shared, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.