Clay Electric Cooperative is grieving for a lost friend and co-worker.

Lineworker William “Ziggy” Ziegenfelder, 56, passed away while working in the co-op's Gainesville service territory on Tuesday, June 15. Ziggy was found unresponsive in a rural area of Alachua County and was unable to be revived by CPR. An investigation is ongoing at this time.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss of one of our own,” said Clay Electric General Manager/CEO Ricky Davis. “My thoughts and prayers are with Ziggy’s family and his co-workers as we work together to process this tragedy.”

Ziggy started as a lineworker for the co-op in 2018 after a 20-year career at Gainesville Regional Utilities. Outside of work, he was a dedicated family man. He is survived by his wife Christy of Gainesville and 11 children.

The LineLife Foundation, which is dedicated to compassionately serving lineworkers and their families in times of crisis, is collecting donations for Ziggy’s family. Those who would like to donate to the family can visit www.linelifefoundation.com and put “Ziggy” in the notes of the donation.