20-year-old city worker dies after electric shock in substation

WELLINGTON, Kansas (KWCH/Gray News) – The city of Wellington, Kansas, identified the employee who died on the job Wednesday as Wilson Price.

Price joined the Electric Distribution Department as a lineman apprentice in January 2024. The city said he died after coming into contact with live equipment in the substation of the city's power plant.

The city said Price was admired by his colleagues for his “incredible attitude and the joy he brought to every job site, a testament to his positive influence on the department.”

“Wilson was with the city only a short time and quickly developed into an outstanding electrician. His contributions to the reliability of our community's electrical grid were invaluable. The entire city family deeply regrets his loss,” said Jason Newberry, deputy city director for utilities.

Officials said Price was part of a crew working to protect the city's power plant's equipment from wildlife on Wednesday morning when the fatal accident occurred.

“Wilson came to work every day with enthusiasm, curiosity and pride; his family, friends and colleagues share the immense sadness of his loss,” said City Manager Jeff Porter.

Two other pipe fitters on the construction site remained uninjured.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Price's family to help cover funeral costs. The page describes him as an “incredible son, brother and friend to all.”

“There will forever be a void in all of our hearts because it was a privilege to know, love and be loved by Wilson,” the page says.

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