On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 2:36 p.m., the Newton County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call reporting that a woman was trapped under a zero-turn riding lawn mower at a residence in the 1500 block of County Road 3139 in the Gist community.
First responders arrived at the scene and located the victim, identified as 51-year-old Rose Ella Proctor, beneath the mower. They quickly removed the lawn mower and began life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Proctor was pronounced deceased at the scene by Newton County Justice of the Peace, Judge Dana Ashmore.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Proctor had been mowing her yard when, for unknown reasons, she got off the lawn mower. Deputies discovered that the mower’s safety control switch had been overridden and disconnected, allowing it to continue moving unattended. It is believed the mower then struck and ran over Proctor.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
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