East Texas lineman dies while working to restore power outages

RAINS COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - A lineman who was working to restore power to a community in Rains County after recent severe weather has died.

Scott Balentine, a lineman for Farmers Electric Cooperative, died on Tuesday afternoon after an incident occured while he was working, according to a release from the cooperative.

His family’s church, New Hope Baptist in Lone Oak, posted a statement saying, “Scott Balentine for ten years has worked as a lineman...on Tuesday as a result of the severe storm system that passed through our region, Scott was electrocuted while working to restore power outages.”

The cooperative said he was taken to a nearby hospital but did not survive.

“This is a very sad time for everyone who knew Scott. He was not just a colleague, but a friend,” General Manager Mark Stubbs said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

The church said he left behind a wife and 12-year-old daughter, adding that funeral arrangements will be shared once made.

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