Remembering Drew Peterson: Lineman Lost in Iowa Crash, Others Recovering from Electrocution

 Across the United States, linemen face some of the most dangerous work imaginable—climbing poles in storms, restoring power in ice and wind, and putting themselves in harm’s way so communities can stay safe and connected. The sacrifices of these workers are often unseen, yet the risks are very real, as recent incidents painfully illustrate.

Dakota Huston, from Tyler, Texas, suffered life-altering injuries in an electrical accident in April 2025. Severe burns and repeated artery ruptures resulted in the amputation of most of both arms. After more than a month in the hospital, Dakota returned home in August, learning to navigate life with prosthetic arms. His recovery is ongoing, a quiet daily struggle that underscores the physical and emotional toll of high-voltage work.

Tragedy struck for Drew Matthew Peterson, 22, a Southeast Lineman Training Center graduate from Worden, Illinois. On January 25, 2026, while traveling on I‑80 in Jasper County, Iowa, a semi-truck cargo incident struck his vehicle, ending the life of a young man remembered for his joyful spirit. Drew’s story reminds communities that while the lights come back on, the cost is sometimes irreparable.

Some survive, yet endure long journeys of healing. Hunter Alexander, 24, of Hodge, Louisiana, was electrocuted during an ice storm in January 2026. Multiple surgeries, including fasciotomies and wound vac treatments, left him in pain invisible to the public eye. Yet he is making progress—moving his fingers, sitting in sunlight, slowly reclaiming his life, step by step. Similarly, Denny McGuff of Iuka, Mississippi, was electrocuted restoring power during the same storm. He remains hospitalized at UAB in Birmingham after losing part of his left arm, with family and community support vital to his recovery.

These four stories—Dakota, Drew, Hunter, and Denny—highlight the courage and resilience of linemen nationwide. Their work keeps homes lit, hospitals powered, and communities safe, but it comes with immense personal sacrifice. Each storm carries risk, each climb a potential life-changing moment.

As the lights flicker back on across towns and cities, it is important to remember the people behind the circuits and poles—the men and women who climb into danger, endure pain, and sometimes pay the ultimate price. Their labor is silent yet essential, their bravery a foundation for every powered home, hospital, and business. These names are more than statistics; they are reminders of courage, community, and the human cost of keeping the lights on.