Coroner: Bentleyville man died in accident at coke plant
A Bentleyville man died of blunt force trauma as the result of an accident at ArcelorMittal Code Plant in Monessen on Sunday, according to the Washington County coroner’s office.
Robert Klett, 60, was found unresponsive around 10:45 p.m. at the plant on Donner Avenue, said Coroner Timothy Warco.
Klett was taken to Mon Valley Hospital but pronounced dead at the emergency room around 12:15 a.m., Warco said.
An autopsy was conducted. Prior to that, Warco said, it was unclear as to whether Klett died of a medical event or of trauma.
The death is now being investigated as accidental, he said, noting that there are no witnesses to what may have occurred.
ArcelorMittal spokeswoman Mary Beth Holdford said in a statement in that the company is saddened by Klett’s death.
“The ArcelorMittal family extends our deepest sympathies to Robert’s family and friends. We are offering on-site counseling support services for our employees,” Holdford said.
“In partnership with the United Steelworkers, we are cooperating with appropriate agencies on the investigation into this unfortunate accident,” she said.
Klett’s death is under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.