Ray C. Straight Obituary-Death News; Ray C. Straight, West Virginia Man Killed in Construction Accident at Lowe’s
A tragic construction accident on Sunday, June 22, has claimed the life of a 43-year-old West Virginia man at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store located on Knox Avenue in North Augusta.
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Ray C. Straight was pronounced dead at the scene following a sudden and devastating incident that occurred just after 5 p.m.
According to officials, emergency personnel from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety and Aiken County Emergency Medical Services responded swiftly to the scene at approximately 5:04 p.m. after receiving a report of an accident involving a construction worker at the retail site.
Upon arrival, first responders found Mr. Straight unresponsive and immediately began performing CPR in an effort to revive him. Despite their rapid intervention, he was unable to be resuscitated and was officially pronounced dead at 5:50 p.m.
Ray C. Straight, originally from West Virginia, was reportedly working on a contracted construction project at the Lowe’s location at the time of the incident. The nature of the accident has not yet been disclosed, and authorities have not released specific details regarding what caused the fatal injuries.
However, both the Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the North Augusta Department of Public Safety have confirmed that a joint investigation is currently underway.
An autopsy has been scheduled to take place in Newberry, South Carolina, which may help determine the exact cause and manner of death. Officials indicated that further information will be made available as the investigation progresses.
The news of Straight’s untimely death has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety procedures at active construction sites, especially those that operate in or near public spaces.
While accidents involving heavy equipment, elevated workspaces, or hazardous materials are not uncommon in the construction industry, fatalities remain a stark reminder of the dangers that workers face daily.
Lowe’s, which had ongoing maintenance or construction operations at the time, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. It remains unclear whether Straight was employed directly by Lowe’s or was contracted through a third-party construction firm.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) may become involved in the investigation, depending on the findings of local authorities. As the investigation continues, loved ones and coworkers of Ray C. Straight are left grieving his sudden and tragic passing.
Friends and family members describe him as a hardworking and dedicated individual who took pride in his work and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His loss is being felt deeply by those who knew him, both in South Carolina and back home in West Virginia.
“He was a kind, reliable guy — always showed up, always worked hard,” a fellow construction worker said. “It’s just heartbreaking to see someone go like this, especially while doing their job.”
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Straight have not yet been announced, but more information is expected to be shared by the family in the coming days. In the meantime, the community is rallying around the loved ones he leaves behind, offering support and condolences during this incredibly difficult time.
As this story continues to develop, local officials urge anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information relevant to the case to come forward. The investigation aims not only to determine what happened but also to ensure that any necessary safety improvements are made to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Ray C. Straight’s passing serves as a solemn reminder of the risks many workers face each day, and the importance of rigorous safety standards in every workplace.
