Morris, Illinois – In a tragic industrial accident at the Narvick Cement Plant along Route 6 in Morris, Illinois, Cory Umgelder, a 44-year-old man from Livingston County, lost his life.
The incident has prompted an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Grundy County Coroner’s Office. The accident reportedly occurred as Umgelder and another worker were attempting to address a mechanical issue with a large drum at the plant located at 755 East Rt. 6. They were trying to free a large fin that was binding at the base of the drum when the unit suddenly broke free, causing Umgelder to be knocked to the base of the drum with fatal consequences.
Responders from the Morris Fire Department rapidly extracted Umgelder from the confined space and administered life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Umgelder was pronounced dead upon his arrival at Morris Hospital. The investigation by OSHA and the Grundy County Coroner’s Office is ongoing, focusing on the circumstances of the accident and examining potential safety and protocol breaches at the cement plant.
