An equipment operator died after falling off road machinery while doing work in the Highway 158 construction zone outside Garysburg this morning.

Captain Patrick Jacobs of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office said the call was received shortly before 11:15 a.m.

Jacobs said the worker fell off and got caught in the equipment. While confirming the worker was a 57-year-old man who is not from the local area, Jacobs said the sheriff’s office is not releasing his name out of respect for the family.

Investigators ruled out foul play.

“This is a sad and unfortunate incident,” Sheriff Jack Smith said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”