MANISTIQUE - An employee was killed at the Manistique paper mill early today as the result of a forklift accident, according to Manistique Public Safety officials who have completed an investigation into the death.
Public Safety officers were dispatched to Manistique Papers, 453 S. Mackinac St., at 1:28 a.m. today regarding an accident at the plant, said Public Safety Director Ken Golat in a news release.
"Upon arriving at the scene, officers determined that the victim had sustained fatal injuries and was obviously deceased," stated Golat.
The victim's body was transported by Manistique Public Safety Ambulance to Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, then transferred to the Messier and Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique.
Officers completed an on-scene investigation into the death, said Golat in a telephone interview this morning. He confirmed the employee died as a result of an accident involving a forklift. No foul play or criminal activity is being investigated, Golat added.
Police confirmed the deceased was an employee of Manistique Papers but are not releasing the person's name or other information pending notification of relatives.
No one else was involved in the accident, officials added. Assisting Public Safety at the scene was the Sault Tribal Police Department.
Company officials could not be reached for additional information this morning.
Manistique Papers is the only company in North America producing high-value uncoated printing and writing paper exclusively from 100-percent recycled fiber, according to the company's website. The paper mill was recently acquired by the Watermill Group, a strategy-driven private investment firm.