Man dies while washing

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Brian Horst, real estate broker, dies
Brian Horst, 45, was power-washing house when he lost footing, according to his father
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
By DAVID FERRARA
Staff Reporter

Longtime Mobile real estate broker Brian Keith Horst died after he fell from the roof of his Daphne home, his father said Monday.

Horst had power-washed his house on Lake Circle in the early afternoon and climbed onto the roof to wash a dormer, according to his father, E. Kent Horst of Mobile.

Brian Horst, 45, lost his footing on the roof when the water spilled down the steep slope, and he fell about 20 feet, his father said.
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A neighbor found Horst in his yard at about 3:30 p.m. Friday, but it was not clear how long he had been hurt.

Emergency workers rushed Horst to Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, and he was later taken to the University of South Alabama Medical

Center, where he was pronounced dead about four hours after he was found.

Even in the final moments of Horst's life, his father said, he was upbeat. Even though he had several broken bones and a multitude of internal injuries, his father added, Horst never griped about the pain, and even joked with family.

"In the terrible, critical condition he was in, he still had his sense of humor," E. Kent Horst said.

A 1981 graduate of Davidson High School, Horst earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of South Alabama and later founded and operated Horst Gulf Coast Properties Inc.

Mary Mason, who had worked with Horst for about three years, called him a "very good boss" who was always looking for ways to expand his business.

"He was very good to help us in any way that he could to make us successful," Mason said.

Horst's father said his son loved to spend time with his family, especially his children, Gabrielle, 12, and Garland, 9, whom he coached in sports.

Ed Dismukes, who coached little league baseball in the Spanish Fort Sports Association with Horst, called him an "easygoing, nice guy — somebody you wouldn't mind having coach your kids."

Horst's father said he believes his son is in a better place, but he's going to miss him.

"It's going to leave a hole in my heart for the rest of my life," E. Kent Horst said. "He was my buddy."

Family members were preparing for funeral services today and Wednesday in Spanish Fort. Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Spanish Fort United Methodist Church, and a funeral is set for 2 p.m. Wednes day. Horst will be buried at Mobile Memorial Gardens.

Along with his father and his children, he is survived by his mother, Velma; brothers Mike Horst and Gregory Horst; and a sister, Julie Horst-Brannon.
 
that's 2 people I know in less than a week that came off a roof....I'm staying on the ground.
Prayers go out to the family...May God Bless and comfort them during this difficult time
 
ya thats crazy stuff. SAFTEY IS PARAMOUNT!

Stay safe everyone
 
Sorry to hear. Safety is a must in this buisiness even when doing ground work. JC, did you know this person?
Will say a prayer for him and his family and for all of us who are in this buisiness and who are safe this evening in our homes that we may return home to our families each day Safely.
 
Having experienced the effects of gravity from a roof, I can attest to the fact that it is no fun! (Three years ago, broken arm [cast], torn rotator cuff [2 surgeries], internal injury in right thigh [emergency surgery 1 month after fall] and unable to work for over 3 months.)
 
I stay off of roofs period. I have Meniere's Disease which is a vertigo/balance disorder. Years ago I could walk a gutter line with no problem on a roof - now - nope!

I either send one of the young bucks up there or shepherd hook the gutter line.

John - good seeing you guy. Hope business is well!!
 
I stay off of roofs period. I have Meniere's Disease which is a vertigo/balance disorder. Years ago I could walk a gutter line with no problem on a roof - now - nope!

I either send one of the young bucks up there or shepherd hook the gutter line.

John - good seeing you guy. Hope business is well!!


I have a very reliable sub I use for most roofs now. In fact, I now send him to even do the estimates. Last year, I 1099'd him about $14K. (In return, he subs me some of his decks/fences and we collaborate on a few others.)

Carlos my man, I see that you have been busy yourself! I have been following UAMCC's progress and have been impressed. I regret not having the time to devote to it. Seven days/week and 10 - 12 hour days for the last few months. Not that I'm complaining, but it leaves precious little time for much else. I will be checking-in on the new forum.
 
That is such a shame that someone died while pressure washing a house.

With time, there are better cleaning detergents, different ways of cleaning and more safety devices to protect yourself when doing dangerous jobs.

Everyone that goes up on roofs should be using some kind of safety equipment to keep themselves safe.
 
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