Grosse Ile Man Rescued From Collapsed Trench Dies

GROSSE ILE (WWJ) - Police say the 56-year-old man who was trapped in a collapsed trench last week in Grosse Ile has died.

According to a statement released Tuesday by the Grosse Ile Township Police Department, James Farrell died at 6:46 p.m. Monday.

Farrell was trapped under the mud last Thursday while making repairs to a water line along Meridian Road and Owen Street, on the north end of the island near the toll bridge.

Grosse Ile Fire Chief Duncan Murdock said Farrell, an employee of the township's Department of Public Works, was submerged for at least 14 minutes after the 12-feet deep trench collapsed.

Ferrell was freed by other employees working on the trench and was taken to Henry Ford Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Funeral services are expected to be held at St. James Episcopal Church.

Officials haven't yet said what caused the trench to collapse. An investigation is ongoing.