On Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 2:48 p.m. a 911 call was received at the Calvert Control Center for a man trapped under a tree near a private residence located at 12161 Rousby Hall Road in Lusby. Several units from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and an ambulance from the Solomons Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (Co. #3) arrived within minutes of the call. First responders observed a male who appeared to be trapped in a hole left by the root of a very large oak tree that had fallen over. Two witnesses advised that they and the victim, identified as 50 year old Brian W. Buck of Lusby, had been cutting the downed tree into logs when a large log rolled into the hole. Mr. Buck climbed into the hole to hoist the log out when the root ball became dislodged and fell back into the hole, trapping Mr. Buck. The two witnesses attempted to rescue Mr. Buck but were unable to and called 911.
Members of the Solomons Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad coordinated local resources and were able to have a large back hoe respond to the scene. Law enforcement investigators and Company #3 members coordinated with the back hoe operator to gently excavate the victim and pull up the very large root ball (estimated at 10+ tons) enough to free the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
No signs of foul play were noted and nothing suspicious was found at the scene. In addition, no illegal drugs, prescription drugs or alcohol were found at the scene. Weather conditions (wind) played no part in this incident. Due to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Buck’s death, that of it occurring outside and industrial accident, he was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for a full autopsy. The investigation is being handled by Det. H. Rich of C.I.T. who can be reached at 410-535-2800.
