Man Dies in Submerged Excavator Accident in Fruitland

FRUITLAND, MD - An 81-year-old man was pronounced deceased following an industrial accident that occurred on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

At approximately 12:04 p.m., deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an accident at 700 Slab Ridge Road in Fruitland, Maryland.

Upon arrival, they met with the property owner, who informed them that Paul Jones, 81, had been operating an excavator on the property. The excavator was later found submerged in a 40-foot pond.

According to the property owner, he was not aware Jones was working on the property that day. He became concerned after finding Jones's vehicle parked on the premises and being unable to locate him.

After a preliminary search of the grounds did not reveal Jones's whereabouts, he contacted authorities.

The Salisbury Fire Department Dive Team was called to the scene to search the pond. The dive team subsequently located Jones inside the submerged excavator.

Jones was transported by air to Shock Trauma, where he was later pronounced deceased.

At this time, it is unknown how the excavator entered the pond. The circumstances leading to the incident are still under investigation.