PLAIN GROVE TWP, Lawrence County — A 48-year-old man died Friday afternoon after a trench in his backyard collapsed on him.

The accident occurred when Raymond J. Davis was helping his father excavate a trench for a septic system at the 874 Plain Grove Road home.

Davis was working in the about 10-foot wide trench about 3:20 p.m. when the side collapsed and buried him, according to police.

His father tried to rescue him but was unsuccessful.

Several firefighters assisted to recover Davis, who was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lawrence County Deputy Coroner.