QULIN MAN ELECTROCUTED

ESSEX -- Ricky L. Leutert, 39, of Qulin, was electrocuted Thursday while working on power lines.

According to David Cooper, manager of the Stoddard County Ambulance District, they received an emergency call at 10:20 a.m. reporting a Union Electric worker had been electrocuted on County Road 732 one and one-half miles east of Highway 153, near Essex.

En route, they were advised the man was actually working for REA. Jimmy D. Freeman, general foreman for Red Simpson Co. of Alexander, La., confirmed that Leutert, an employee of Red Simpson Co., was subcontracted by Scott-New Madrid Electric Co. for the job.

Officials said the victim was electrocuted while elevated in a bucket working on power lines. According to Freeman, Leutert was prepared to make a jumper to bring electricity to a line when his left shoulder came in contract with the hot-line's basket, carrying 7,200 Volts.

Following the accident, Leutert was lowered by bystanders who initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, which was continued by emergency personnel upon their arrival.

Cooper said the Lifebeat helicopter was immediately dispatched upon confirming the nature of the accident.

According to officials, life-saving attempts were continued as he was transported to Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau by the Lifebeat helicopter.