Worker dies when large sign topples on him in northeast Harris County, sheriff says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A 68-year-old man working on a large sign was killed when it toppled over on top of him, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said.

It happened at a small, Spanish-speaking church called Iglesia Misionera Biblica in northeast Houston.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said deputies responded to the 7800 block of Mount Houston Road just after 5 p.m. Friday.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff's office is working to figure out how this happened. Community members said the sign was old and may have been compromised by loose bricks. Last night's heavy rain could have also made it easier for those bricks to fall over at the base.

Investigators at the scene, the victim's family, and other church members declined to speak with Eyewitness News. Firefighters could be seen using heavy equipment to remove pieces of the sign so that the medical examiner could gain access to the body.

The sheriff's office is investigating this as an accident.

ABC13's Briana Conner is pursuing facts on the developing story. You'll get live updates when we see you for Eyewitness News at 10 p.m. on ABC13. Follow Briana on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.