ASHEBORO, N.C.- A worker at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro was killed Thursday morning in a workplace accident while performing a rescue drill at the facility, authorities said.
WTVD reportedthat officials with the state Department of Labor said an arborist working for the zoo was taking part in an aerial rescue drill when they fell 20-30 feet from a tree and died at the scene.
"The Zoo is working closely with investigators to determine details of the incident, which was not related to any of the Zoo’s animals," a spokesman for the North Carolina Zoo said. "The entire Zoo community is deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of our team member."
Officials said no animals were involved in the incident.
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