West Milford man, 85, dies working on septic system

WEST MILFORD – An 85-year-old Korean War veteran died Sunday working on a internal pump in his home's septic system, police said Tuesday.

Benjamin Barbieri was found halfway in the pump tank at his Morsetown Road home by a family member at approximately 5 p.m. on Sept. 24, Sgt. Det. Joseph Walker said. The cause of death is unknown but natural causes, electrocution, and the gases in the system are all possibilities, police said.

“We're not sure ... so we’re waiting for the autopsy reports, which will take several months to get back,” Walker said.

Methane gas has emerged as an unlikely cause of death following air quality tests, Walker said. Pump tanks generally do not hold sewage but catch flow from septic tanks for distribution in drain fields. Electrocution and natural causes remain the most likely potential causes of death, Walker said.

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Barbieri went out to work on the pump at about 9 a.m. Sunday, Walker said. The time of death is also unclear, he added.

Born in Paterson, Barbieri lived in West Milford for the past 47 years, according to his obituary. He was an Army veteran who served in the Korean War and worked as an assembly line mechanic for Continental Can, according to the obituary.

Following Barbieri's death, local police are urging everyone to take caution when working on electrical equipment or attempting to take on any potentially dangerous projects alone.

“I’d say leave it to the professionals, especially if you’re older or elderly,” Walker said.