A tragic accident took the life of a 28-year-old snow plow driver Friday afternoon, leaving a family grieving and a community shaken.

What We Know About the Fatal Snow Plow Accident

Police say the man was performing routine maintenance on his snow plow in a parking lot near Twelve Mile Road and Evergreen around 4:30 p.m. But, something went horribly wrong during that process, and a piece of equipment fell, trapping him beneath the plow.

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Officers and emergency crews rushed to the scene in the 19000 block of West 12 Mile Road, but the injuries were too severe. Fox 2 Detroit reports that he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Why Snow Plow Maintenance Can Be Dangerous

The accident comes just days after a major snowstorm moved through Metro Detroit. Snow plow drivers often work long hours in dangerous conditions, many times alone, to keep roads and parking lots safe for others. Friday’s incident is a sobering reminder of the risks that come with that work.

Southfield Police Investigation and Safety Concerns

Southfield police say there is no indication of foul play and believe the death was the result of a tragic accident. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine exactly what equipment failed and how the incident occurred.

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Police also expressed condolences to the man’s family and loved ones, who are now facing an unimaginable loss. According to ClickOnDetroit.com, his name has not been released, but investigators say he was a young man whose life ended far too soon.

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Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could help investigators is asked to contact the Southfield Police Department at 248-796-5500.

Sometimes there are no easy words, only heartbreak and a family in need of compassion during an incredibly difficult time.

10 Rockin’ Michigan Snowplow Names

Gallery Credit: ABC 12 via YouTube

How to Track Snow Plows Across Southwest Michigan in Real Time

Michigan winters may be unpredictable, but one thing is always guaranteed: snow! Here's how to see real-time snow plow maps to check which streets are cleared before you head out.

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Blizzard of 1978: When Mother Nature's Fury Shut Down Michigan

The Blizzard of 1978 was an iconic storm system made possible by two converging fronts, one from the Gulf of Mexico, meeting a northern system from Canada creating record snowfall and hurricane-force winds that shutdown Michigan's transportation system, both on the ground and in the air. Here's a look at WOOD TV 8's coverage from January 25th through January 27th, 1978.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow