'Devoted' Husband and Father of 3 Dies After Being Electrocuted at Work

Nathan Potter is described by friends and family as a family man who always made people laugh and smile

A father of three has died after he was electrocuted at work in Tennessee.

Lineman Nathan Potter was “working to install a new service in Grainger County” when the incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. local time on July 23, according to a pair of news releases from the man’s employer, Appalachian Electric Cooperative.

Crew members “immediately began providing life saving measures and contacted EMS” after Potter was electrocuted.

He was then transported to Morristown-Hamblen Hospital, but later died, according to AEC.

Related: Texas Man Dead, Woman in Critical Condition After Being Electrocuted in Jacuzzi at Mexico Resort

Josh Compton, AEC’s General Manager, said Potter’s tragic death “is felt by everyone” at the “close-knit organization.”

“Working as a lineman is a respectable and honorable profession,” Compton said in his statement. “We mourn the loss of our colleague during this incredibly difficult time. Their family is in our thoughts and prayers.”

Compton also said, “Safety is and will continue to be our number one priority."

Potter worked as a lineman for AEC for more than six years before his death, according to one of AEC’s news releases. Friends told CBS affiliate WVLT Potter was a lineman for over a decade.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Nate was always a joy to be around,” said his coworker and friend Shane Alvey. “He always had a smile on his face and always made it fun.”

Added friend Brock Johnson, “It’s something you never ever want to hear. We have safety meetings on Monday mornings, and you hear about stuff like that happening somewhere else. It crosses your mind, but you never think something like this is going to happen at home."

In less than 72 hours, more than $55,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign started for Potter’s wife and three children.

Related: Texas Dad-to-Be, 20, Dead After Getting Electrocuted While Trimming Tree: 'Tragic Loss'

Sarah Farris, who organized the online fundraiser, described Potter as “a Godly man” who was “devoted to his family."

“The world tragically lost a precious soul today,” Farris wrote in the fundraiser’s description. She went on to thank those who have and will step up with donations for the grieving family.

“Let’s make sure they only have to worry about taking care of each other during this difficult time,” Farris added.

The specific circumstances surrounding Potter's electrocution remain unclear and the fatal incident is under investigation, according to AEC.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.