The body of Kyle William Damberg, 47, of Duluth was discovered at the Minnesota Power Taconite Harbor Energy Center in Schroeder on Friday, September 3, 2010. A man picking up a piece of equipment called Cook County Law Enforcement at 1:41 p.m. reporting a man on the ground, unresponsive. Tofte First Responders and Cook County Ambulance were paged and responded, but it was determined that Damberg was deceased. It is not known what happened, but it appears that Damberg was a victim of a worksite accident. The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation.
An autopsy has been conducted but results are not yet available, however the Cook County Sheriff ’s Department said foul play is not suspected.
Minnesota Power spokesperson Amy Rutledge said Damberg was a 23-year veteran of Minnesota Power. He worked in the engineering services department on infrastructure construction projects. Based in Duluth, he traveled to work at various Minnesota Power locations. He was working alone at the time of the apparent accident.
“Kyle was a committed colleague and caring friend,” said Minnesota Power Chief Operating OfficerBrad Oachs. “We will work with the appropriate authorities to determine what led to the unfortunate and tragic accident.”
Rutledge said OSHA was at the Schroeder Taconite Harbor site on Wednesday, September 8, thoroughly investigating. “We are anxious to learn what happened,” said Rutledge.
“This is so tragic,” said Rutledge. “Our heart is just breaking for the family. Kyle had many friends and family at Minnesota Power.”
Funeral services were held Thursday, September 9 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Kenwood.
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