T-Mobile death under investigation

The Greene County medical examiner's office is investigating the death of a Springfield man who died after a workplace accident at T-Mobile, an official said.

Forensic investigator Tom Van De Berg said an autopsy was conducted Monday to determine the cause of death of Kenny Reynolds. He said the investigation is ongoing.

Reynolds, 23, was found unconscious in the weight room at T-Mobile, 2845 N. Airport Plaza, on July 28 where he had been lifting weights, according to a Springfield police report. His widow, Maranda Reynolds, said he was resuscitated but died two days later at Cox South.

"He was an effortless leader," said Maranda Reynolds. "He was probably one of the most generous people I've met."

T-Mobile has submitted a report to a report to the federal agency that oversees workplace safety concerns, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to the company.

"T-Mobile is deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Kenneth Reynolds," said Janice Kapner, the vice president of corporate communications at T-Mobile. "Kenny was well loved in his community, respected and admired by his teammates and we share our heartfelt condolences to the Reynolds family."

The police report says that Reynolds had been bench pressing when the bar fell on his neck. Reynolds had been using a Smith Press Fixed-Bar machine with 175 pounds on it. The police report indicates that the safety devices for the machine were not in place at the time.

A police investigator reviewed video of the weight room which shows Reynolds unsuccessfully trying to lift the weight after he had lowered it. The report said it was about 27 minutes before he was discovered.

Maranda Reynolds said she and her husband would have been married for five years on Aug. 1. The couple, who were married at Fellowship Bible Church in Rogersville, had planned to go to the Lake of the Ozarks for their anniversary.

Reynolds was a 2008 graduate of Hillcrest High School and completed two years of college at Ozarks Technical Community College.

"From the time he emerged from his mother's womb with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck he was fighting for a cause," said Reynolds' father-in-law, Randy Mayes. "He was principled and stood up for what he believed."

Maranda Reynolds said her husband had worked at T-Mobile for about two years as a customer care specialist. He also was a musician, playing the guitar, drums and bass. The couple had an amateur recording studio in their basement, and Reynolds had appeared at the Outland Ballroom with a band called Impact.

Memorial service

A public memorial service will be held at Jordan Valley Park at 6 p.m. Saturday. All are invited to attend.

A memorial show will be held at the Outland Ballroom starting at 7 p.m. Aug. 23.