New York Mechanic Fatally Crushed by SUV in Repair Shop

An auto mechanic has been fatally crushed by a sport utility vehicle that rolled off a homemade ramp in a Long Island repair shop.

Suffolk police say 49-year-old mechanic Michael Lynch was under a 2003 Ford Explorer when the apparent accident occurred early Tuesday.

Investigators say the vehicle was parked on what they describe as two wooden blocks forming a ramp, when the SUV rolled, crushing Lynch. They say it’s not clear if Lynch was aware the SUV’s transmission had a problem staying in park. The SUV’s back wheels were not blocked.

Lynch was alone in the garage when the accident occurred and was found by co-workers. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the source of the homemade ramp.