Police identify man killed in Box Elder workplace accident

William Frenchy Kossman and his wife, Joy Kossman. Police say he was killed Tuesday in a workplace accident in Box Elder County.

William Frenchy Kossman and his wife, Joy Kossman. Police say he was killed Tuesday in a workplace accident in Box Elder County. (Box Elder County)


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PROMONTORY, Box Elder County — Police have identified a man killed Tuesday in a workplace accident in Box Elder County.

Two county employees were operating UTVs when they crashed in the General Promontory area. Authorities said they were working about half a mile apart and the crashes weren't connected.

The first worker sustained a serious injury and was transported to the hospital. In the second incident soon after, William "Frenchy" Kossman, 69, died on scene as a result of his injuries.

"We can't come up with enough words to describe William Dwaine Kossman, affectionately known as Frenchy. His hands were always full. Whether he was bringing you something, fixing something, or adding his personal touch. He will be extremely missed by all who knew him," his family said in a statement.

Kossman was a seasonal worker in the weed control department since 2020. This year marked his third season working for the county. He helped with roadside weed spraying and worked as a sprayer on the Rush Skeleton crew.

When the crashes happened, the weed spraying crew was working on spraying noxious Rush Skeleton weeds, which county officials say destroy native plants and foliage in grazing areas. The weeds need to be treated individually to avoid causing damage to beneficial plants, officials said.

Funeral services for Kossman are taking place in Honeyville on Monday.

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Ashley Imlay is an evening news manager for KSL.com. A lifelong Utahn, Ashley has also worked as a reporter for the Deseret News and is a graduate of Dixie State University.

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