According to Wetzel County Sheriff James Hoskins, at approximately 4 p.m. on Jan. 6 on Buffalo Road near Jacksonburg a 36-year-old man from Blacklick, Pa., Steven Hoak, died as a result of an industrial accident at Whipstock Natural Gas Rig 22.
An OSHA inspector was at the site Monday. Although the incident is still under investigation by Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Hayes, it is believed at the drilling site a piece of equipment malfunctioned, slipped, and shoved him against another piece of pipe, crushing the man’s chest. When a HealthNet helicopter EMS technician arrived, the victim was pronounced dead at the landing site.
According to Wetzel County Medical Examiner Carla McBee the victim apparently suffered an “injury from a piece of faulty equipment.” McBee said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
In addition to the sheriff’s department, Folsom, Pine Grove, and New Martinsville emergency crews responded to the accident.