Worker killed in fall from truck

A Carson City man found dead Monday in the back lot of Snap-On Tools apparently died from a fall, an investigator said.

An autopsy Tuesday revealed Gerald Grisamer, 54, died from a massive head injury likely sustained from a 10-foot fall off the bed of an unhitched tractor trailer.

Sgt. Bob White said investigators were called to business at 1880 Fairview Drive about 12:15 p.m. Monday after a delivery driver found Grisamer lying unresponsive with a pool of blood around his head.

Initially it was thought he may have died from an undisclosed existing medical condition, but the autopsy proved otherwise.

White said a co-worker last saw Grisamer about 10 a.m. He potentially lay for two hours in an area in the yard not easily visible and not frequented by many.

A woman who answered the phone at the Carson City location's human resources office declined comment, instead directing calls to corporate office in Kenosha, Wisc. The Wisconsin office was closed at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time.

"Apparently he worked for Snap-On for quite a few years and never missed a day of work," White said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate.

Grisamer's daughter Michelle Grisamer said she was too distraught to comment, and asked friend Debbie Gansberg to speak on the family's behalf.

"He was the nicest man. Gerry would do anything for you. He'd give you the shirt off his back to help," said Gansberg. "He was easy-going and he loved his family. They are just devastated."

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.