Vernon County sheriff: Mound City teenager likely killed from downed electrical line

A Mound City teen, found dead near a one vehicle accident in Southwest Vernon County, Mo., was not believed to have been killed during the accident, according to officials.

The body of Branton Beckman, 18, was found at approximately 3 a.m., Saturday one mile east of State Highway T and State Highway FF in Vernon County. Beckman was believed to be the only person involved with the accident, driving his 2007, white Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck off the rural road and crashing nearby, according to Vernon County Sheriff Ron Peckman. Employees of Barton County Electric Cooperative, who were dispatched to the area due to reports of power outages, found Beckman, said Peckman.

The first power outage occurred at midnight and the second at 1:30 a.m. In an effort to correct the outages, the electric company sent a team of workers out to investigate the complaints. Barton County Electric immediately contacted Peckman's office, who then contacted the Missouri Highway Patrol.

An official with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said, the investigation is being handled entirely by the Vernon County Sheriff's Office because the auto accident was not directly responsible for Beckman's death.

"We believe he inadvertently walked into a down power line," said Vernon County Coroner David Ferry. "We believe he died instantly."

Peckman said the cause for the accident was still unknown as of Monday afternoon and the investigation is ongoing.

Officials at Westar Energy said fatalities due to downed power lines are rare. There was only one death in Kansas due to downed lines within the last several years said a Westar Spokesperson.

Edison Electric Institute Spokesman Ed Legge confirmed this type of incident's rarity, but, recognized the potential hazards associated with power lines.

"Its (downed line fatalities) not something that happens everyday," said Legge. But, "We spend a lot of time communicating the dangers of power lines and possibility of death from downed lines or if something like a satellite company puts their truck into the lines."

Funeral services for Beckman are slated for Tuesday morning.