A tragic workplace incident has resulted in the death of 42-year-old Michael Rutledge, a Baldwin resident, after he fell into a trash compactor at the Arrow Linen Supply Company in Garden City on Thursday night.
What Happened
The incident occurred late Thursday evening, around 10 p.m., while Rutledge was working at the family-owned textile supply company located on South Street. Authorities from the Nassau County Police Department arrived at the scene shortly after the accident, taking Rutledge to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Nassau County Police Department’s homicide squad in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The exact circumstances of the accident are still being reviewed.
Company Response and Background
A spokesperson for Arrow Linen Supply Company, which operates as one of the largest laundry facilities serving New York’s restaurant industry, declined to provide a comment on the incident at this time.
Arrow Linen has been in operation for nearly 80 years and provides laundry services to businesses across the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties, as well as parts of New Jersey. In 2022, the company was featured in New York Times Cooking’s “On the Job With Priya Krishna” video series, where it was highlighted as a key supplier for New York’s restaurant industry.
Investigation and Updates
As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the cause of Rutledge’s tragic death remains under review. The investigation will include a thorough examination by both the Nassau County Police Department and OSHA to determine the circumstances and any potential safety violations.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
