By Billy Davis

A Batesville man who was hanging outdoor Christmas lights was killed when he touched an electrical line.

James Berry Beavers, 45, was working from a bucket truck when he was killed, authorities said.

The accident happened Wednesday morning at a residence on Asa Road.

An autopsy performed Thursday confirmed the cause of death was electrocution, said Panola County coroner Gracie Grant-Gulledge.

The incident was still under investigation Thursday by the Panola County Sheriff’s Department.

Wells Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, but those arrangements were incomplete at press time.