UPDATE 6/18/2024: Julia Joy, the Communications Director for Clearwater Paper, got back to us with a heartfelt response to the loved ones of the deceased contractor:
“We are deeply saddened that a contractor died from natural causes while working at our facility. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time. We are focused on providing support recourses for our employees.”
While Joy was unable to provide any additional information regarding the contractor, due to him being contracted out and not a direct employee of Clearwater Paper, she was able to confirm the information previously provided regarding the death of the contractor.
(Lewiston, ID) On Thursday, June 13, we received an anonymous report about an alleged death at Clearwater Paper.
The deceased was an unknown 72-year-old man working as a contractor for the mill. It was reported that the man was monitoring oxygen levels for several other contractors while they were working in a tight enclosed space below ground. When the contractors emerged, they found the 72-year-old man deceased. Our anonymous source stated that the unofficial cause of death was a heart attack brought on by pre-existing medical issues.
We have reached out to Clearwater Paper, and are still waiting for their official response. Updates will be provided as we receive additional information.