FRUITLAND -- A man was killed Wednesday morning in an accident at a Fruitland mill.
Police say officers and paramedics were called out to Woodgrain Millwork on 16th Street at 9:48 a.m. for a report of a man underneath a large piece of equipment.
They arrived to find the 60-year-old man non-responsive but still breathing. The victim received life-saving efforts at the scene, then rushed to St. Luke's Hospital in Fruitland, where he died from his injuries.
The Payette County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Richard Foss of Prineville, Oregon. Coroner Keith Schuller said Foss was delivering machinery to the mill when the accident happened. A large piece of equipment fell onto him as he unloaded it.
Foss' cause of death is listed as traumatic blunt force injuries.
In a statement, Woodgrain Millwork called Foss' death a "tragic loss." The full statement is included below.
Woodgrain Millwork located in Fruitland, Idaho for the past 60+ years, regrettably had a fatal accident that occurred this past week on the site. The CEO and Plant Manager of the Fruitland facility have been in contact with the Foss Family, extending their sincerest condolences. Richard Foss was a regular contract driver (not a woodgrain employee) that was known by many Woodgrain Millwork employees. Over the past 4 years, he supplied important work and services to the Woodgrain Millwork sites in Prineville, Fruitland, and Emmett. Woodgrain Millworks Core Values are: Safety, Integrity, Servant Leadership, and Respect for People. Safety is a Value and Priority of each and every employee of the company. The company will continue to support the family and many Woodgrain employees that have been effected by this tragic loss.
