Man Crushed To Death By Roll of Carpet

Mesa, AZ, Oct. 7, 2009--A man was crushed to death at work by a giant roll of carpet Tuesday morning in Mesa, police said.

A 56-year-old man had a 1,000 pound roll of carpet come crashing down on him, shortly after he arrived at Ace Flooring.

Investigators said the business partner used a forklift to move the carpet, then called 911, but it was too late.

Pierce may have been trapped for more than an hour.

Bill Rickard, who has known the victim for 10 years and has done business inside the store, said the carpet was only five to six feet high, making it hard to believe something like this could happen.

"I thought it was impossible," said Rickard. "I know how high the carpet is stacked and thought it was impossible. It's just a fluke accident."