Family of man killed at FedEx calls for more safety measures

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - The family of the man who was killed while working at FedEx's Memphis Hub on Sunday is calling for more safety measures.

Christopher Higginbottom, 39, died around 5 a.m. Sunday in what FedEx describes as a "transportation-related accident."

A FedEx spokesman said Higginbottom died around 5 a.m. Sunday in what they are describing as a transportation-related accident.

First responders said they found Higginbottom underneath a "tug" vehicle's loaded trailer.

"It's been kind of  hard for all of us," Higginbottom's sister, Evelyn, said.

The 18-year FedEx veteran was a single father of two boys. He had just been promoted, according to his family, and was looking forward to celebrating.

Christopher's family also said he was a very active parent and alumnus at Fairley High School.

"When I talked to the people at Fairley this morning, they say he was not just a regular parent. He was a friend and that meant a lot to me," Elaine said.

According to Christopher's family, his death is very hard on his kids.

"Daddy's not going to get to see us go to our prom, graduate from high school. They were really emotional," Higginbottom's niece, Janetta Harris, said.

This tragedy is the fourth deadly accident in 30 years at FedEx's Memphis hub, but Christopher's family wants to make sure it doesn't happen again.

A family forced to grieve around the holidays continues to wait for answers.

"I'm hoping maybe they do get safety measures," Elaine added. "It's been pretty hard. I'm trying to stay pretty strong.

A medical examiner is doing an autopsy to determine Christopher Higginbottom's official cause of death.

FedEx released the following statement:

"This is tragic and our hearts are heavy with sadness over the loss of a FedEx team member following an early-morning accident at our Memphis Hub. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are extended to his family.  We are working with local authorities in their investigation."

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