State Police investigate construction site accident

New Lebanon, New York – On January 14, 2016 at approximately 3:15 p.m., New York State Police from the New Lebanon barracks were dispatched by Columbia County 911 to assist Chatham Fire and Rescue with a construction site accident that occurred at a private residence located on Route 5 in New Lebanon.

Jesse R. Finley, age 38, of New Lebanon, was assisting a family member install footing drainage around the home. Finley was inside of the 8′ deep ditch connecting drain pipe when the sides of the trench collapsed, burying him. Despite rescue efforts attempted by Finley’s family and first responders, Finley was pronounced deceased at the scene by Chatham Rescue Squad.

The State Police were assisted by Chatham Rescue Squad, New York State Fire, Lebanon Valley Protective Association, Columbia County Coroner Michael Blasl, and the Colonie Fire Company Trench Rescue/Technical Rescue Unit