LEXINGTON, S.C. — The Lexington County Coroner's Office, along with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are investigating the death of a worker at the Michelin North America Inc. earthmover tire plant in Lexington.
According to the coroner's office, shortly before 9:30 a.m. on April 13, Mark S. Lepkowski, 57, of Pelion, S.C., was found pinned between machinery by co-workers at the plant.
Emergency medical services responded, and Lepkowski was transported to an area hospital where he later was pronounced dead. An autopsy stated the preliminary cause of death as compressional asphyxia.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Lepkowski, who was employed by our contractor Southern Industrial Constructors and worked at our Lexington site for many years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends," a Michelin spokesperson said in a statement.
"Michelin is committed to the safety and well-being of all employees and contractors who work at our facilities, and we are cooperating with the ongoing investigation."
About 870 employees work at the earthmover plant in Lexington, which was established in 1998.
