James Wainscott, chairman, president and CEO of AK Steel, said Friday he was “deeply saddened” by the death. It was the first death at AK Steel since 2006, said Jim Gomia, safety chairman for the union. He said the workers were “devastated” by the accident.
Barnes had been hospitalized at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton since the accident. He was a shift manager in the plant’s steelmaking department and had 16 years of service with the company, AK officials said.
“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at this most difficult time,” Wainscott said.
The cause of the accident is under investigation by AK Steel and Occupational Safety and Heath Administration, the company said. Bill Wilkerson, area director of OSHA, said it may take several weeks before a cause of the accident is determined. Because of the technology involved, Wilkerson said the scene “is not easily understood.”
Gomia said OSHA investigators had interviewed those at the accident scene.
IAM Local 1943 President Neil Douglas said Barnes was a salaried employee and not a member of the union. He said the accident again shows the potential danger in the steel business.
“It could have happened to me or a co-worker,” Douglas said. “It’s a sad situation.”
Barnes was an outdoors man who loved to hunt, his friends said. They described him as “a good ol’ country boy.”
Formerly of Paducah, Ky., Barnes graduated from Murray State University with a degree in manufacturing engineering.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle Barnes and two daughters, Sierra Barnes and Savannah Barnes.
Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah. Funeral services start at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Bobby Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Fooks Cemetery, Marshall County, Ky.
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