John Woodman, 61, of Standish, died Monday, October 5, after the excavator he was operating overturned at a work site off Bull Run Road in Gray, Maine. Authorities had not announced a cause as of October 6.
What happened at the Gray work site?
Crews from Shaw Brothers Construction and Unitil were working on a petroleum pipeline in a wooded area behind a Bull Run Road property, according to WMTW. Woodman was operating an excavator as it traveled up a steep grade when it overturned. The incident was reported at about 2:09 p.m.; deputies and Gray and New Gloucester fire and rescue personnel responded shortly before 2:10 p.m.
Woodman was a longtime Shaw Brothers Construction employee, WMTW reported. The Bangor Daily News also reported his death and the circumstances of the incident.
What have investigators said about the cause?
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said alcohol did not appear to be a factor, according to WMTW. That statement does not establish why the excavator overturned. The reported steep grade describes the circumstances, not a confirmed cause.
#1 Best Overall
- Real Construction Action – Ten‑inch excavator with an articulated boom and bucket lets kids dig, lift, and dump just like a full‑size Cat machine.
- Built Cat Tough – Thick, high‑impact plastic shrugs off rocks, sand, dirt, and the occasional tumble; ideal for backyard, beach, or living‑room play.
- Kid‑Powered Mobility – Free‑rolling wheels provide smooth, battery‑free movement across carpet, grass, or sandbox terrain so children control every move.
- STEM‑Inspired Learning – Encourages motor skills, hand‑eye coordination, and imaginative role‑play for boys and girls ages 2‑6.
- Gift‑Ready Value – Iconic Cat yellow finish and budget‑friendly price make it a hit for birthdays, holidays, Easter baskets, or classroom rewards.
As of October 6, authorities had not reported a cause, excavator details, OSHA findings, citations, or a determination of liability. No safety violation or responsibility should be inferred from the facts released so far.
Which agencies are investigating?
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were investigating, WMTW reported. The Bangor Daily News also reported that the sheriff’s office, medical examiner, and OSHA were involved.
Rank #2
- Dynamic 2-Piece Set: This construction engineering games toys set comes with an excavator and a air pressure rise and fall dump truck, providing double the construction play fun. Both vehicles feature lights and sounds, enhancing the immersive play experience for kids.(The image interface has functional videos）
- Interactive Features: The excavator has a 360° rotating cab and a manipulable digging arm via the side lever, enabling realistic scooping. the dump truck allows kids to lift and lower the rear bed by Continuously press the up button on the top of the car and the down button on the fuel tank position, and it comes with 20 plastic stones for loading and unloading action.
- Inertia-Powered Action: Both the excavator and dump truck utilize inertia power. Simply give them a push, and they'll roll smoothly.
- Generous Size: The perfect size is suitable for children aged 3-8 to play, with a realistic appearance and realistic operating functions. It is made of ABS material and is durable and resistant to drops.
- Versatile & Gift-Worthy: Suitable for various play scenarios, from solo adventures to group play, it helps with kids cognitive development. It’s an ideal gifts choice for birthdays, holidays, Christmas, and promotes quality parent - child bonding time.
OSHA explains that its Investigation Summaries are developed after an inspection; entries may take time to appear and open-case information can be corrected or updated. The page is general guidance, not a finding about this incident. No incident-specific OSHA finding had been reported as of October 6.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CAT CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES: 7 Inch Kid Powered CATerpillar Toy Construction Vehicle Set Of 3. Set Includes A Toy Dump Truck, Front Loader And Excavator toy. Great toys for 3 year old boys.
- MOVING PARTS: Each CAT Construction Vehicle Features Articulated Parts For Real CATerpillar Construction Action. These are ideal kids toys.
- ENCOURAGES ENGAGING PLAY: puts little builders in control and allows for interactive play.
- QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST: CAT Toys Are Built To Last and Withstand The Elements, Just Like The Real CAT Construction Trucks. However, Unlike Real CAT Construction Trucks, They Can Be Used Both Indoors and Outdoors.
- LEARNING AND EDUCATION TOYS: CAT toys and vehicles are toys for boys and girls that enjoy building toys! Great gifts for kids 3 and up, as an alternative to dolls, dinosaur toys or a train set.
Rank #4
- Officially Licensed CAT Excavator Push Car: Authentic CAT design for a realistic and thrilling play experience.
- Under-the-Seat Storage: Convenient storage space beneath the seat, providing room for toys and treasures during playtime.
- Interactive Steering Wheel: Enjoy music and horn sounds with the built-in steering wheel, adding an extra layer of excitement to the adventure.
- Sturdy Backrest: Ensures comfort and support, allowing kids to enjoy extended play sessions with ease.
- Functional Front Bucket: Kids can engage in imaginative play for hours with the functional front bucket, enhancing the overall play experience.
Rank #3
- REALISTIC 11-CHANNEL RC EXCAVATOR – Experience true construction fun with this lifelike 1:20 scale excavator toy! Equipped with powerful motors, 360° rotation, and 680° cab swing, it digs, lifts, and drives across sand, dirt, or carpet just like the real thing. (Overall Size: 15.8" L × 4.3" W × 10.4" H)
- DUAL BATTERIES FOR 120-MIN PLAY – The upgraded 2025 design includes two long-lasting rechargeable batteries for hours of uninterrupted operation. Built tough with a metal alloy shovel, bright LED lights, and engine sounds for an authentic digging adventure
- STEM LEARNING THROUGH HANDS-ON PLAY – "Best dad-kid toy!" Encourage curiosity and coordination while your child learns basic engineering concepts through realistic construction play. Perfect for parents and kids to explore how machines work together in an exciting, interactive way
- OUTDOOR FUN FOR ALL AGES – Designed for kids, teens, and adults alike! Whether used on the beach, sandbox, or backyard, this RC excavator sparks imagination, promotes outdoor activity, and strengthens parent-child bonding through teamwork and creativity
- COMPLETE SET & QUALITY GUARANTEE – Includes 1 RC excavator, 2× batteries, remote controller, USB charger, screwdriver, and manual. Every unit passes strict quality inspection before shipping. Backed by responsive customer service—play with confidence!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
