The agricultural community across northwest Alabama is mourning the loss of Jehu Hester, a 71-year-old Russellville resident who died in a tragic workplace accident at a poultry farm in Lawrence County. His unexpected death has deeply affected family members, friends, fellow farmers, and business associates who remember him as a hardworking man whose livelihood was closely connected to Alabama’s poultry industry.
Authorities say Hester died Tuesday in what investigators have determined was an accidental agricultural incident involving heavy farm equipment, underscoring the dangers faced every day by those who work in farming and agricultural operations.
Personal Details
Full Name: Jehu Hester
Age: 71
Residence: Russellville, Alabama
Date of Death: July 2026
Place of Death: Poultry farm on County Road 136, Lawrence County, Alabama
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma sustained in an agricultural equipment accident
Occupation: Chicken litter broker
Family Information: Unverified
Funeral Arrangements: Not publicly announced
Fatal Accident at Lawrence County Poultry Farm
According to local officials, emergency crews responded to a poultry farm on County Road 136 after receiving reports that a worker had become trapped inside a chicken litter elevator, a large piece of agricultural machinery commonly used to move poultry litter into tractor-trailers for transport.
By the time first responders reached the property, the situation had transitioned from an emergency rescue to a recovery operation.
Jehu Hester was pronounced dead at the scene.
Search Began After Truck Found Running
Authorities said concern first arose Tuesday evening when Hester’s pickup truck was discovered parked with the engine still running but with no sign of him nearby.
The unusual discovery prompted a search of the property.
Farm workers eventually located Hester inside the agricultural equipment and immediately contacted emergency services. Despite their efforts, there was nothing responders could do to save him.
Longtime Figure in the Poultry Industry
Hester was well known throughout the region’s farming community for his work as a chicken litter broker, purchasing poultry litter from growers and distributing it for agricultural use as fertilizer.
The recycling of poultry litter plays an important role in Alabama agriculture, supplying valuable nutrients for crop production while supporting the state’s thriving poultry industry.
Friends and colleagues describe Hester as someone who understood the business well and spent years building relationships with poultry producers across north Alabama.
Coroner Rules Death Accidental
Lawrence County Coroner Scott Norwood determined that Hester died from blunt force body trauma sustained during the incident.
Following the investigation, officials ruled the death accidental.
According to local authorities, the tragedy marks the first agriculture-related fatality reported in Lawrence County this year, highlighting the inherent risks associated with heavy machinery used in farming operations.
Investigators have not indicated that foul play was involved.
Community Remembers a Dedicated Worker
News of Hester’s death has spread quickly through Lawrence County, Franklin County, and neighboring farming communities, where many knew him through decades of agricultural work.
Those who worked alongside him remember a dependable professional who devoted much of his life to supporting local farmers and helping keep agricultural operations moving efficiently.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from friends, neighbors, and members of Alabama’s farming community, many of whom recognize the difficult and often dangerous work performed every day by those in agriculture.
Farm Safety Reminder
Agricultural accidents remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in rural communities, particularly when heavy machinery is involved.
Safety experts continue to encourage farm operators and workers to follow equipment safety procedures, perform regular maintenance, and exercise caution around mechanical systems designed to move heavy materials.
While incidents such as this are uncommon, they serve as a sobering reminder of the hazards faced by agricultural workers throughout the industry.
Funeral Arrangements
At the time of publication, funeral and memorial service arrangements for Jehu Hester have not been publicly announced.
Family members continue to receive prayers and condolences as they mourn the loss of a man whose life and work were closely tied to the agricultural community he faithfully served for many years.
Jehu Hester will be remembered for his dedication, work ethic, and lasting contributions to Alabama’s farming industry. His memory will continue to live on among the family, friends, farmers, and colleagues whose lives he touched throughout his decades of service.