MANISTIQUE - Police have released the name of the mill employee who was killed in an accident at Manistique Papers on Wednesday.
Debbie L. Carlson, 53, of Manistique, was killed while moving paper bales with a forklift at the paper mill, stated Manistique Public Safety Director Ken Golat in a news release issued Wednesday.
"The accident occurred when Carlson was operating a forklift, moving paper bales in the outside storage area of the mill," explained Golat. "In the process of moving the bales, the forklift rolled on its side, crushing Carlson, who died instantly."
Carlson was employed at Manistique Paper for 32 years. Survivors include her husband, William D. Carlson, of Manistique. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Messier and Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique.
Public Safety completed an investigation into the accidental death on Wednesday, said Golat. Paper mill officials immediately contacted the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration which also conducted an on-site investigation, he added.
Public Safety officers were dispatched to the accident at the paper mill at 1:28 a.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, officers determined Carlson had died of fatal injuries.
Sault Tribal Police Department assisted Public Safety at the scene.