Sheriff Killed By Liquid Nitrogen Trying to Save Worker At Sperm Bank

Federal officials have launched a safety investigation after a local deputy sheriff was killed at a Georgia sperm bank. Richmond County Sgt. Greg Meagher died after apparently inhaling leaking liquid nitrogen while trying to save a worker.

The 57-year-old had raced into the Augusta Xytex sperm bank twice on Sunday after an emergency phone call report that a worker was in distress, authorities said. He was attempting to aid employee Anita Wiles, who was unresponsive, when Meagher was apparently overcome by a leak of liquid nitrogen, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported. An autopsy is pending. Wiles was in critical condition at a local hospital Monday night, authorities confirmed.

A hazardous materials team responded and shut off two liquid nitrogen tanks at the facility.

Liquid nitrogen, used to freeze sperm donations, quickly turns into a gas once released into the air, displacing oxygen . Victims are asphyxiated.

They were actually pumping him, like giving him mouth to mouth, a sperm bank neighbor told WSBTV. It was sad to see something like that.

Three other deputies who responded to the scene were treated for breathing difficulties at a local hospital and released.

Colleagues and friends paid tribute to Meagher, whom they hailed as a hero. His patrol car, parked in nearby Daniel Village, was covered in flowers and notes in a memorial tribute. He was an awesome man , awesome friend, father, community citizen, friend Debbie Smith told WRDW TV. You just dont find a better man than that.

Investigators said Sgt. Meagher ran into that cloud of liquid nitrogen twice to try and save a woman. He died. She's in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/7RlpRY3zap

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Investigators said Sgt. Meagher ran into that cloud of liquid nitrogen twice to try and save a woman. He died. She's in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/7RlpRY3zap
Richard Elliot (@RElliotWSB) February 6, 2017

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He was a 33-year veteran of the force, who survived being shot in the face in 2004 while assisting federal agents in a drug bust.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Sgt. Greg Meagher, his fellow deputies and our injured employee, the company said in a statement.

Investigators from the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration were on the scene Monday, NBC reported.

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