West Liberty Man Dies While Pressure Washing a Business

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

Jonathan “Jon” Marvin Brown of West Liberty, died after tragically being electrocuted by power lines around 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 22 in Johnson County.

Reports say that Brown who was 48 years old, was pressure washing the Foothills Communications building in Staffordsville on KY Rt 40 when the accident happened.

According to Oil Spring Fire and Rescue, the fire department said when they arrived on scene, the victim was in a man-lift basket around 30-35 feet in the air and was still in contact with the live power lines.

First responders say they then secured the area, which included temporarily closing both sides of the highway then contacted Kentucky Power who disabled the three power lines. Crews said as an extra precaution, the generator at the facility was also disabled.

Once the area was secure and the power was disconnected, crews were then able to lower the basket and the worker down from the power lines, where Johnson County Coroner J. R. Frisby pronounced him dead at the scene. Crews from the W.R. Castle Fire and Rescue, Paintsville Fire and EMS, Paintsville/Johnson County Emergency Management and Johnson County Constable District 2 all responded to the scene.

The incident remains under investigation by Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Coroner’s Office and Oil Spring Fire and Rescue.

Foothills Communications released a statement on Facebook following the incident.

“It is with deep sadness that Foothills Communications acknowledges a tragic accident that occurred on our property this evening, resulting in the loss of life of Jonathan Brown of West Liberty. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Jonathan’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest sympathies to all who knew and cared for him.”

Brown was not an employee of Foothills. He was transported to Frankfort for an autopsy.

Jon is survived by his wife, Leigh Ann Brown; four children, Caleb Brown, Shelby Brown, Derek and Hanna Wireman and Terra Wireman; a brother; a grandson; many friends and family members. He was the son of Vonia Brown and the late Sam Brown.

He was a former Morgan County Fiscal Magistrate, owner of Kentucky Pool Company and a power washing business. He also helped out with radio broadcasts of Morgan County High Schools sports.

Celebration of Life services for Brown will be held Sunday, May 31, beginning at 2 p.m., at Jamie Ferguson’s Garage, 764 Fyffe Branch, West Liberty. Donations can be made to the Jon Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Leigh Ann Brown, 2264 HWY. 1010, Ezel, KY 41425. Services under direction of Potter Funeral Home, West Liberty.