Illinois Mechanic Dies After He’s Pinned Between a Jeep and a Car Lift

A 55-year-old mechanic was killed on Thursday morning (7/31) in Rockford when he was pinned between a vehicle and a car lift.

Fatal Incident at Kurt’s Service Center

According to a press release from the Winnebago County Coroner's Office, a tragic accident happened around 10:30 am on Wednesday (7/31) at Kurt’s Service Center on Wansford Way in Rockford.

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Dennis Modloff, 55, Rockford was working alone underneath a Jeep supported by a hydraulic vehicle lift when a critical failure occurred. While utilizing an under-hoist jack stand to support the Jeep’s rear axle, the stand shifted, causing the vehicle to collapse on top of him.

Emergency Response and Fatal Outcome

The incident was discovered around 11:10 am after a fellow employee at Kurt's Service Center found Modloff pinned between the lift’s ramp and the Jeep. Emergency services, including the Rockford Fire Department and the Rockford Police Department, swiftly responded to the scene.

Despite their efforts, Modloff was found to be beyond resuscitation and was pronounced dead at 12:10 p.m. by Winnebago County Coroner’s staff.

Investigation Underway

Both the Coroner’s Office and the Rockford Police Department are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

On Thursday (8/1), the autopsy on Mr. Modloff was completed by the Winnebago County Coroner and his preliminary cause of death is blunt trauma of the head, pending further investigation.