Alaska News

Logger killed in accident on Prince of Wales Island

A logging worker was killed Saturday morning near Nutkwa Lagoon on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, Alaska State Troopers reported Sunday.

The industrial fatality was reported to troopers in Klawock around 8:39 a.m.

Bill Worley, 36, was working in a timber sorting yard when a log 70 feet long and 16 inches in diameter fell from the logging cradle directly above him, striking him, troopers said.

Worley was trying to fasten baling wire around a bundle of 15 to 20 big logs when the top one rolled off and hit him in the head, said trooper spokeswoman Beth Ipsen.

He was pronounced dead immediately following the accident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was informed about what happened.

Troopers say there is no evidence of foul play and that alcohol does not appear to have been a factor.

Anchorage Daily News

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