Police ID Hudson Valley Man Buried Alive

New York State Police have identified a 38-year-old man that was killed when he was buried alive while helping a family member install a footing drain.

According to New York State Police from New Lebanon, State Police, Columbia County 911, and Chatham Fire and Rescue were called to a construction site accident that occurred at a private residence on Route 5 in New Lebanon. An investigation revealed that Jesse R. Finley, of New Lebanon, was assisting a family member install footing drainage around the home. The Columbia County man was inside an 8-foot-deep trench connecting drain pipes when sides of the trench collapsed and buried him.

For several hours emergency personal used shovels and other equipment in an attempt to rescue Finley. Despite rescue efforts by first responders and Finley’s family the 38-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene by Chatham Rescue Squad.

According to Finley’s obituary, he attended Webutuck Central School District. He was an animal lover, skier, hunter, fisherman and enjoyed riding ATVs.