Homeowner Killed In Excavator Equipment Accident In Putnam Valley

PUTNAM VALLEY, NY — The Putnam County Sheriff's Office extended its condolences to family and loved ones after a tragic construction accident.

A 56-year-old Putnam Valley man died Friday evening after a construction equipment accident at a Park Drive residence, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said members responded at about 5:08 p.m. on Friday, to assist emergency medical personnel with an accident involving a piece of construction equipment known as a skid steer, in the Town of Putnam Valley. At the scene, they found Joseph S. Petti dead, according to the release.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Crime Scene Unit also responded to investigate. Investigators said Petti was operating the skid steer on his property when he apparently fell from the machine and suffered a fatal head injury.

Investigators said Petti was not pinned beneath or run over by the skid steer. The sheriff's office said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident still remain under investigation.

The Putnam County Coroner's Office also responded to the scene. An autopsy has been scheduled as standard procedure in unattended death cases to help determine the official cause and manner of death.