A man died in a lawn mower accident on Wednesday evening, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
George R. Ward, 64, of Portland, Missouri, was driving a Dixie Chopper lawn mower northbound near the edge of a lake at approximately 7:30 p.m. The lawnmower began sliding downhill and overturned into the lake, trapping Ward underneath.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Boone County Medical Examiner Stacey Huck at 7:30 p.m. The accident occurred at 10970 Oak Lane in Portland.
This incident marks the third fatality in Troop F’s jurisdiction for July and the 23rd for the year 2024. The accident was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, with assistance from Trooper B. L. Gregory.
Ward’s body was transported to Maupin Funeral Home.