Authorities identified the worker as 67-year-old Robert Duncan of Aiken County as investigators examine how the Saturday accident occurred.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — A 67-year-old lawn maintenance worker died after the mower he was operating overturned into a canal in Augusta on Saturday afternoon, trapping him underwater before emergency crews recovered him, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the man as Robert Duncan of Aiken County. Deputies said the incident occurred Sept. 12 at a canal near Fenwick Street and James Brown Boulevard while a privately owned lawn maintenance company was cutting grass in the area. Officials have not publicly identified the company.
The mower overturned into the canal while Duncan was operating it, leaving him trapped beneath the water, according to the sheriff’s office. The Richmond County Fire Department assisted with recovering Duncan from the canal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency crews also removed the mower from the water after Duncan was recovered. Authorities have not released details explaining what caused the equipment to overturn or whether investigators found evidence of a mechanical problem, unstable ground or another factor that contributed to the incident.
The sheriff’s office has not publicly released an exact time for the accident beyond saying it happened Saturday afternoon. Officials also have not said how long Duncan was underwater before responders reached him or whether other workers witnessed the mower entering the canal.
Initial reports described Duncan as working for a privately owned lawn company when the accident occurred. Authorities have not released additional information about his work assignment, the type of mower involved or whether any other people were injured. No criminal allegation has been announced in connection with the death.
The circumstances surrounding Duncan’s death remained under investigation. As of Tuesday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office had not announced a final determination on what caused the mower to overturn or released additional findings from the investigation.
Author note: Last updated September 15, 2026.