Fairfax County Police Department News

Mount Vernon Police District – Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau have completed a preliminary investigation after a man died in an apparent construction site accident outside of a home in the 800 block of Emerald Drive in Fort Hunt yesterday afternoon. Officers and rescue personnel responded just before 12:30 p.m. when a trench wall collapsed on two men. One man was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Jonathan Spencer Canales, 30, of Maryland, died at the scene.

It appears the two men were working in a plumbing trench about 6 feet deep with some shoring in place. Detectives believe the men were working to shore another part of the trench when a wall collapsed.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy this morning. After a review of evidence and on scene consultation with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there is no indication of criminal activity at this time. 

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