Indiana truck driver Bruce Vernon , who fatally plunged hundreds of feet to death, ID’d as long-time employee

The Indiana dump truck driver who fatally plunged into a water-filled quarry pit last week was identified by officials as a longtime employee of the work site and a dedicated family man.

Bruce Vernon, 69, was identified as the victim in Tuesday’s tragic accident by the Crawford County Coroner’s Office, WDRB reported.

His death was ruled an accident after the truck he was in fell hundreds of feet when it slipped off the edge of the quarry at Mulzer Crushed Stone where he was a worker for 25 years, according to a heartfelt obituary.

“He would show up for work about an hour early just to joke and have fun with the people he worked with,” the obit stated. “Bruce loved his grandchildren and spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed spending time reading and watching old westerns.”

Vernon, of Valeene, Indiana, was also a former employee of the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department and a member of the Cross Roads Church of Christ, according to the online tribute.

“He was an avid [Indiana University] sports fan and enjoyed teaching his 3 sons sports and chewing tobacco,” the obituary states.

He graduated from Paoli High School in Indiana and then from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

He’s survived by his wife, three sons, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After Vernon’s truck fell into the pit, first responders rushed to the scene, but had trouble reaching the massive vehicle underwater because of the rough terrain, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources said in a news release.

His body was later pulled from the truck Wednesday afternoon.