Remembering their late friend and colleague.
On November 6, an LG&E line technician tragically passed away in an accident while working on a reconductor power line. The accident took place in Oldham County, Kentucky, leaving the late lineman Kyle Ferree’s family wanting answers to how this accident occurred.
“We lost today a friend and co-worker who was an LG&E line technician, fatally injured while working to reconductor a power line. This is a tragic loss for our entire LG&E and KU workforce, and our hearts are heavy for his family and all who knew him. We are performing a thorough investigation to better understand factors that contributed to this situation and how it occurred.”
Lizz Pratt, LG&E spokesperson, said, reported by WHAS11.
In his obituary, the 26-year-old was described as an avid outdoorsman, a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend.
“He was born Aug. 4, 1999, in New Albany, Ind., the son of Adam and Mary Smith Ferree. He was a lineman for LG&E and an IBEW Brother. He was a loving husband and daddy, a loyal family man and friend and had a million-dollar smile. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.”
After losing a lineman brother, some of Ferree’s co-workers shared an emotional video of his last call. The symbolic ceremony, akin to a first responder’s final call, honors a lineman who has died or retired. The caption of the post reads:
“Last Call,
God gained a good lineman today. Keep the lights on in heaven for us.
RIP Kyle Ferree
‘We’ll take it from here.'”
In the video, a group of linemen is gathered around the car to hear the radio give its last call for Kyle Ferree. After the radio operator calls for Ferree, he gives one final notice before sharing some heartfelt words about the fallen lineman.
“Kyle Ferree, father of two young girls and a third child on the way. A husband and great friend to so many. Our brother Kyle has served and completed his final shift. He’s climbed his last pole. His hooks are hung after six years of service at LG&E, and his work here on Earth is done.
He served with skill, courage and brotherhood. Always ready to answer the call, no matter the time or the weather. For that, we thank you and honor you. Kyle, may you rest in peace. Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten. Kyle, you are now clear of duty. Rest in peace, brother. Go with God.
We will take it from here.”
After the radio dispatcher finished sharing his words honoring the late lineman, all of his crew picked up the radio, said their number, and checked out for the day. The moment is highly emotional, with many of his colleagues barely able to get out their identification number and their quick messages for their friend and co-worker.
Seeing this many grown men so emotional is a reminder of the dangerous work linemen perform and of how clearly his co-workers loved Kyle Ferree.
@ccwright502 Last Call, God gained a good lineman today. Keep the lights on in heaven for us. RIP Kyle Ferree “We’ll take it from here” #lastcall #linelife #lineman #linework #ibew @Goody @Powerline Podcast ♬ original sound – Cody Wright
The comments on this video are just as heartfelt as the final call ceremony. Read a few while you’re here:
“I don’t know who he was, but watching 25 men in tears broke me.”
“Lineman work is very dangerous, and the people who do it are incredibly brave, intelligent, and hard-working. I have nothing but respect for linemen. May he rest in peace.”
“When the blue collar boys cry. We all cry.”
“Those three kids may have lost a father, but they gained so many uncles in that group of guys.”
“Do I have a lineman in my family? No. Did I watch this and cry? Yes. Praying for Kyle’s family, for his wife to have the strength to raise their children and find peace in the days ahead. And prayers for all the linemen out there; the ones who keep our lights on and our world running. We in Texas, and across the nation, couldn’t live without you.”
“As a first responder. And the wife of a lineman. Linemen should be considered first responders! A hill I will die on. God bless him and his family, both line & blood related.”
“*warning video gets blurry*.”
“The pain in their voices… and when the dispatcher said a 3rd child on the way, man, that got me.”
“Sorry for your loss. This was a hard watch.”
“Everyone with glasses on, knowing behind those glasses, tears are streaming. You can tell not only was he loved by his family, he was loved by his linemen too.”
RIP Kyle.
