Gatlinburg accident claims the life of a Gray resident

A workplace fatality involving a Gray resident at the Gatlinburg Convention Center is under investigation by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Witnesses told Gatlinburg Police Department investigators that 66 year old Jeffery Coker of Gray, Tennessee fell 32 feet while installing lighting and stage elements for an upcoming event. Coker was employed by The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union No. 197. Emergency personnel responded to a report that a person had fallen from the ceiling in the Great Hall area of the convention center. The investigation is expected to take between eight and ten weeks.