A Mililani Memorial Park worker died when the backhoe he was operating overturned this morning, pinning him to the ground, a Honolulu Fire Department spokesman said.

Firefighters were called to the cemetery at 94-560 Kamehameha Highway at 7:52 a.m.

Fire Capt. Earle Kealoha, said the man was working a slope when the backhoe overturned.

“We are devastated by the accident and our prayers go to his family,” said Eadean Buffington, vice president of Mililani Memorial Park & Mortuary. “We are investigating the circumstances to find out what happened this morning.”

Buffington said the employee was working alone, clearing a private area of the cemetery. He was pronounced dead at 8:30 a.m.