ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The official cause of death of the city of Albany employee who died after an on-the-job accident has been released.

According to coroner Michael Fowler, Sebastian Dykes, Jr. died from Mechanical asphyxiation.

On Dec. 18, Sebastian died after a trench wall collapsed on him while he was working on a collapsed sewer. Two days later, the City of Albany launched an internal investigation into the incident.

Fowler also said that based on reports and observations from the day of the incident, no trench box was used during the job. It’s been nearly a month with no explanation from the city and Dykes’ family is still fighting for answers.

WALB has also continuously asked the city several questions including what the pre-existing safety protocols were for the job, but are still waiting for answers.

On Friday, Sebastian’s father, Sebastian Dykes, Sr. returned to the spot of his son’s death as he waits for answers.

“It could’ve been prevented. He would have been here today. But I had to come back because I said I’d be his ears, his mouth, his eyes for him to get some justifications and try to get some understanding from it,” he said. “Why was he here? Why didn’t they have all the equipment they were supposed to have? Why did he have to stay down there that long before they got him? I can’t get no answers from nobody, so it’s a lot of emotions and feelings going.”

As we’ve previously reported, Dykes’ death marks the 2nd City of Albany employee on-the-job death in the last year. Earlier in February of 2024, Darrious Stephens, another employee, drowned after falling into the Flint River while he was working. WALB has also tried to get answers in his case but has yet to hear any updates from the city.

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