Jackson County says it's not to blame in the death of one of its employees who died on the job over the weekend.

Jackson County requested an independent investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday after the death of a longtime public works employee during last weekend's major winter storm.

A decades-long public servant has died in the line of duty during snow removal operations. According to a statement from Jackson County, Everett Carter, 61, had been part of the public works team for the past eight years and spent 40 years working for the county.

A Jackson County, Missouri, Public Works employee was hit and killed Sunday while working to clear snow during this weekend's winter storm. County officials said 61-year-old Everett Carter was killed while working in Blue Summit on Sunday afternoon.

Jewell and public works employees took a pause after his death on Sunday. After 40 years of service to Jackson County, including eight years in the public works department, he was killed serving the community. While working a call during the storm, Carter exited his dump truck. It struck and killed him.

Everett Carter was a county employee of 40 years, including eight in public works. County officials say his death is a reminder of the risks faced by public servants while ensuring the safety of metro roadways.