A 64-year-old man, a recently retired Broward Sheriff’s Office sergeant, was fatally crushed by an RV he’d just purchased. The man, Craig Bachan, was working on the RV outside his home in Oakland Park, Florida.
Neighbors describe the incident as a “freak accident.” Authorities confirm no foul play is suspected.
This tragedy underscores hidden dangers when performing your own RV maintenance, especially lifting and supporting the vehicle.
Incident overview
Craig Bachan, 64, retired from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) just 10 months ago. Bachan enjoyed a distinguished career as both a sergeant and detective. His family and former colleagues remember him as a devoted father, brother, and community servant.
According to Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies, Bachan was found crushed beneath the RV he’d recently purchased. He planned a cross-country trip for this summer. Neighbors report seeing him working under the coach earlier in the day. Hours later, a tarp covered the scene as first responders investigated.
“He just bought the RV,” one neighbor told WSVN. He noted that Bachan was excited about a vacation to the Western U.S. Another said it appeared to be an unforeseen equipment failure or shift in weight.
Official response
BSO confirms no signs of foul play. They have opened a routine inquiry into the cause of the collapse. Investigators are reviewing whether the vehicle was properly supported and whether any mechanical or human error contributed.
Hidden dangers
Working beneath an RV exposes you to serious crush hazards if the coach shifts or jacks fail. Unlike passenger cars, RVs are much heavier and often require specialized lifting points. A single jack alone cannot be depended on to hold that weight indefinitely.
Safety tips
• Always use jack stands. Jacks are for lifting; jack stands are for supporting weight. Once you lift the RV, immediately place rated jack stands under manufacturer-approved lifting points and lower the jack so the stands bear the load.
• Inspect lifting equipment. Use equipment rated above your RV’s weight. Inspect air jacks or hydraulic jacks for leaks, damaged hoses, or worn components before each use. Avoid power-only lifts; always combine with mechanical stands.
• Set up on level, stable ground and chock wheels. Set up on a flat, solid surface. Chock wheels on both sides to prevent roll-back or movement. Uneven or soft ground can allow stands to shift or sink, compromising stability.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Protect yourself with safety glasses, heavy-duty gloves, steel-toe boots, and—if you’re working under the RV—consider a hard hat. PPE mitigates risk from falling tools, debris, or fluid sprays.
• Lockout/Tagout energy sources. If servicing electrical or propane systems, follow OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout procedures: Isolate batteries, propane lines, and any equipment that could start or pressurize unexpectedly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Consult your RV’s owner’s manual for approved jacking points and weight limits. If in doubt, seek training from RV service centers or experienced RV clubs. Knowledge reduces risk.
• Never work alone. Have a partner on standby who can call for help if something goes wrong. Immediate assistance can be lifesaving in a crush scenario.
• Regularly maintain and service equipment. Schedule routine inspections of all lifting gear. Replace worn or damaged jacks and stands promptly. A formal maintenance log keeps you accountable and prepared.
Moving forward safely
Craig Bachan’s untimely death is a sobering reminder that even simple RV jobs carry hidden hazards. By following safety procedures, you can dramatically reduce the risk of a fatal accident.
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RVT1209b
This is tragic. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
So sad this man lost his life while maintaining his new RV. I’ve had two vehicles fall in my career as a tech.
Once in a shop 35 years ago. The second was our class-a RV. The rig only dropped 4 inches, but it was enough to crush the steps and baggage door trim.
Scary to say the least. The cribbing saved the RV from further damage.
Tragic story.
Always use properly rated jackstands for the vehicle you’re working on, and always inspect them first. A few years ago there were jackstands sold by a major retailer that had manufacturing defects and collapsed in use. RVs require at least 20 ton jackstands, the beefier the better.
Hard to fathom how bad his family must feel right now, but learning from his mistake and saving someone else’s life is one good outcome they can hope for. Personally, I don’t go underneath anything while it’s lifted, jack stands or not.
Wheel chocks should be sold as standard equipment with towable RVs not as an optional afterthought. Jack stands or proper cribbing isn’t a step anyone should skip regardless of how lucky they feel. Tragic and avoidable.
Thank you for the news, Gail, and the warnings it carries with it. How tragic in so many different ways! I pray that his family is comforted as they deal with their unexpected and horrific loss. 🙁 Safe travels!
Tragic. 60 years ago my father taught me to never use bricks or concrete blocks (cinder blocks ) under a vehicle. They can shatter and collapse.
“Never work alone” sounds good but it isn’t practical 99% of the time. If it can’t be done unjacked I don’t personally do it.