COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County Coroner Tommy Davis confirmed the death of Julian Garcia after a ditch he was working in collapsed Dec. 18.

Davis said Garcia died as a result of the injuries sustained from the incident and it was ruled accidental. 

Newton County Public Information Officer Bryan Fazio previously told The Covington News, Garcia was doing septic repair work in a ditch 10-15 feet deep when it collapsed. He was reportedly buried for an estimated 27 minutes until a joint effort by the Newton County Fire Services and Covington Fire Department could free him. 

Fazio said once the victim was located crews started working to free him. Once his torso was exposed, one group of firefighters began performing life-saving measures while other firefighters continued working to completely dig him out. The victim was transported to a local hospital before being flown to a trauma center.

Fazio said OSHA was notified about the incident.