Share this @internewscast.com

A Georgia woman died last week after she dropped an AirPod under a conveyor and got caught in a chain that moves the machine while reaching for it, authorities said.

According to an incident report from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, a witness told investigators that line worker Alyssa Drinkard, 21, dropped the AirPod below the conveyor while on shift at a plant for Club Car around 9:45 p.m. Friday.

The company makes golf carts and other vehicles.

When she tried to get the earbud from under the machine, she got caught in the chain that moves the conveyor, the witness said, according to the report.

Due to the way Drinkard was pinned, the witness — identified as fellow worker Fae’Zsha Smith — “was not able to get her out, so she called for maintenance to come and shut the machine down. They began taking it apart once the machine was down and called 911,” the report says.

Emergency personnel freed Drinkard, of Grovetown, “by cutting the metal frame from around the conveyor and pulling her out,” the report indicates.

Drinkard still had a pulse when she was freed from the machine, and emergency personnel performed life-saving measures on her before she was hospitalized, the incident report said.

Club Car did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment Wednesday afternoon. In a statement to The Augusta Press, the company confirmed a worker on Friday night sustained critical injuries at its primary manufacturing facility in Evans before dying.

“First responders were immediately notified, and we thank them for their quick response to provide medical care and transportation to the hospital where the worker unfortunately later passed away,” the company said. “Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with the family, friends and all impacted by this loss. We are working with authorities and the contractor in an investigation to determine the facts about what led to the incident.”

Smith, 25, said Wednesday that she has not been able to shake the images of Drinkard lodged under the conveyor.

“I’m kind of traumatized from seeing her that way,” Smith said, her voice sometimes quivering as she remembered her former colleague.

Drinkard was working across from Smith when Drinkard said she dropped an AirPod under the conveyor, Smith said.

Smith then looked under the machine and saw the earbud. She recalled telling Drinkard that she’d get it for her once it was safe to do so.

“She said, ‘It’s OK, I’ll just get new ones,'” Smith said.

Only second passed before Smith said she looked down and saw a horrifying scene.

The machine caught Drinkard’s arm, Smith said, noting that it was bent and there was a significant amount of blood after Drinkard tried to reach for the AirPod from her side of the work station.

Drinkard had worked at the plant for about a year, Smith said, and was quiet but well-liked by other line workers. Drinkard was invited to go out with colleagues, and would only sometimes show up, but when she did, her presence was always noticed, Smith said.

“When she did come out, it was always laughs. She was always so sweet. She was always had a smile on her face,” Smith said.

Drinkard’s relatives could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

Smith, who has not returned to work since the incident, said she’s unsure if she ever will because she has concerns about her safety.

According to Club Car’s website, the company, based in Augusta, has been an industry leader in making golf carts for decades. The company says on its website that it makes the official golf cart for the PGA of America, PGA TOUR Tournament Players Club Network and European Tour.

According to the site, the company was once called one of the country’s safest.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Close-up of a teen's hands holding a smartphone.

New Law Restricts Children’s Phone Use to 1 Hour Per Day, Varies by App

A CONTROVERSIAL new law will restrict children’s time on social media. The…
Accused shoplifter in Jacksonville store owner's death faces new charge

Jacksonville Shoplifter Accused in Store Owner’s Death Now Facing Additional Charge

Tashina Renee Dobbins, 40, was arrested May 6 and charged with failure…
President Donald Trump on a phone call.

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump Announce Groundbreaking UK Trade Deal in Pivotal Phone Discussion

THIS is the moment Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have held…
Pakistani army vehicle near the Abbottabad compound where Osama bin Laden was killed.

India Labels Pakistan as ‘Hub of Terrorism’ and Reminds World of Bin Laden’s Hideout Amid Rising Tensions

INDIA has branded Pakistan the “epicentre of global terrorism” as tensions between…
New pope elected: Cardinal Robert Prevost always wanted to be a priest, Leo XIV's brother says in New Lenox

Cardinal Robert Prevost, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, has always aspired to the priesthood, according to his brother in New Lenox.

When Cardinal Robert Prevost was just a first grader, one of his…
Funeral to be held Thursday in Kankakee for former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who died at age 91 last week

Memorial Service in Kankakee on Thursday for Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, 91

KANKAKEE, Ill. (WLS) — A funeral will be held Thursday for the…
Kash Patel warns FBI mission at risk under Trump admin's massive FBI budget cut

Patel Backs Trump’s FBI Budget Proposal Following House Testimony

FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday said he fully backs the Trump…
Body of 1-year-old Kahleb Collins believed to have been found months after disappearance

Authorities Likely Discover Remains of Missing 1-Year-Old Kahleb Collins Months After Disappearance

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The remains of what is believed to be…
Jeffrey Rupnow, father of 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who killed 2 at Madison, Wisconsin religious school, faces felony charges

Jeffrey Rupnow, father of 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow who committed a double homicide at a Wisconsin religious school, charged with felonies

Wisconsin prosecutors have charged a Madison father, Jeffrey Rupnow, with enabling his…
Sports news: Chicago Stars FC forward Mallory Swanson, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson expecting 1st child

Exciting Announcement in Sports: Chicago Stars FC’s Mallory Swanson and Chicago Cubs’ Dansby Swanson Expecting Their First Child

CHICAGO — Chicago Stars FC forward Mallory Swanson is expecting her first…
Student faces deportation after traffic stop | Reporter Replay (Video)

Student May Be Deported Following Traffic Stop | Watch the Incident Recap

Student Confronts Deportation Risk Following Traffic Violation | Reporter Replay (Video) |…
Pope Leo XIV was an active Republican primary voter and voted in 2024 presidential election

Pope Leo XIV Actively Participates in 2024 Republican Primary Voting

Grand Old Popey. Pope Leo XIV, an engaged voter, has taken part…