OSHA is investigating the death of a worker for a company that supplied swans and dogs to keep geese away from business and residential properties. Reports suggest one of the animals may have played a part in the worker’s drowning.
Anthony Hensley, 37, worked for Knox Swan and Dog LLC of North Barrington, IL.
On April 14, Hensley was checking on swans the company had placed at the Bay Colony Condominiums near Des Plaines, IL. Police say Hensley was using a kayak at a pond when an attack by one of two swans there caused him to fall out of the kayak, into the water and drown.
Police believe Hensley either got too close to the swan or its nesting area.
Witnesses say the swan continued to swim after Hensley as he tried to make it to shore. A witness called 9-1-1, but by the time rescue crews arrived, Hensley was under water. An autopsy found he died from drowning.
Hensley is survived by his wife and two daughters, 18 months and 3 years.
An OSHA spokesman says the agency will determine whether Hensley was wearing a life jacket.