Worker Killed by His Backhoe

Irvine police are investigating the Friday death of a heavy-equipment operator who was pinched within the digging arm of his backhoe.

Michael Hoehel, 54, of Placentia had climbed down from the controls of his machine at 2:30 p.m., Police Sgt. Rick Handfield said. Moments later, the machine’s hydraulics apparently caused the digging arm to swing out and grab Hoehel as he stood beside it.

Another backhoe operator found Hoehel and pulled him free, but he died at the scene, police said.

Investigators said Hoehel was a veteran equipment operator with years of experience. His Cat 426 backhoe has been impounded and will be examined by a mechanic, police said.

The accident happened at a housing development near Irvine Boulevard and Jamboree Road.