UPDATED: Fri., June 3 12:43 p.m.
PEORIA, Ill. — An investigation continues into the death of a Caterpillar employee at the Mapleton foundry.
Caterpillar has passed along condolences from company leadership for those closes to 39-year-old Steven Dierkes, who reportedly fell through flooring above a crucible and to his death on Thursday morning.
Peoria County Sheriff’s Officials confirmed that detail early Friday.
In addition, there is unconfirmed information suggesting Dierkes was a relatively new employee at the Mapleton foundry.
The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office alongside federal officials with OSHA are continuing the follow up death investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY (posted Thursday)
PEORIA, Ill. — The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office along with OSHA and the Peoria County Coroner’s office are reportedly in the midst of a death investigation, following an incident involving a worker at Caterpillar’s Mapleton foundry.
There have been few details released in the wake of the incident, but Peoria County Sheriff’s Captain Chris Watkins tells WMBD News that deputies responded to the plant just before 9:55 a.m. Thursday.
Watkins says the call involved “an employee accident” and that said employee was deceased by the time deputies arrived.
He indicated that it appears to have been an occupation-related death, thus the coordinated effort with OSHA investigators.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood has identified the deceased worker as 39-year-old Steven Dierkes, of W. McClure Ave, Peoria.
In an updated release, Harwood says Dierkes died after a fall. He was apparently working near a crucible, when he accidentally fell in, according to the coroner’s report.
There is no suspicion of foul play in connection with the death.
It is the second death reported at the plant in the last six months. Back in December, another worker fell to their death while working at the foundry.
OSHA investigators say Scott Adams, of Peoria stepped off a ladder and fell 20 feet to his death, reportedly through a hole in the floor.
This is a developing story and will be updated with new information once it is released.
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