An investigation is underway after a LaPorte woman was killed while working on the job. The LaPorte County coroner says 54-year-old Becky Schlief died Friday night, after falling into a shredding machine she was operating. The incident occurred at the Thermosafe plant in Michigan City.
The LaPorte County coroner says Becky Schlief was trying to pull Styrofoam stuck in a grinder she was operating, when her hand became caught and she was pulled into the machine. The machine is apparently meant to shred large pieces of styrofoam.
Officials tell Newscenter 16 that Indiana OSHA and police are investigating. They’re working with the company to determine exactly what led to Schlief's death. The coroner say it appears Schlief died instantly. Autopsy results show Schlief died of crushing injuries and blunt force trauma to the head.
Off-camera, Schlief's children tell Newscenter 16 they're still trying to comprehend the loss of their mother. Her four children didn't want to go on camera but say she was a wonderful woman who will be deeply missed.
Schlief's kids say their mother was an experienced worker and had been with the company for fourteen years. They say she was so dedicated to the job she even relocated to LaPorte ten years ago from southern Illinois.
Thermosafe's parent company, the Tegrant Corporation, released this statement to Newscenter 16. "Becky Schlief died instantly from injuries sustained while working on second shift. Although the cause and circumstances surrounding the accident are not yet known, we are fully cooperating with local authorities and Indiana OSHA in their investigation. We are providing support and counseling to our local employees as we all grieve with this sudden loss of a coworker and friend."
Monday afternoon, Thermosafe employees declined Newscenter 16’s request for a comment. Indiana OSHA officials say the investigation could take up to three to four weeks to complete.
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