04/10/2008

Associated Press

Sheriff Tim Evinger of Klamath County says an Interfor Pacific sawmill employee died while working on a debarker this week.

Evinger says witnesses told investigators that James French was clearing wood debris from the machine when he was crushed by a 2,000-pound roller.

French died before he could be airlifted to a hospital.

French was hired by Interfor Pacific through a temporary employment agency. It's unclear where the 45-year-old was living at the time of his death.

Klamath County sheriff's detectives and the Oregon Occupational Safety Health Administration are investigating. OSHA levied a $2,500 fine against the Gilchrist mill after a log truck driver was killed in 2004.

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Information from: Herald and News, http://www.heraldandnews.com