Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Zoo Identifies Worker Who Died In Training Exercise Fall

Signage at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC. Image courtesy: NC Zoo

North Carolina Zoo officials have identified the worker who died in a training exercise fall and have announced a fund to support his young daughter.

The zoo confirmed late last week that the employee was 38-year-old arborist Branson Langley.

Langley died in a 20- to 30-foot fall from a tree while simulating the rescue of a trapped co-worker.

The zoo announced in a Facebook post a fund for Langley's 9-year-old daughter to support her education and "help her achieve all the dreams that her father wished for her."

Langley's death was the first fatality since the zoo opened.

The accident is being investigated by the sheriff's office and the Department of Labor.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate