CPSO releases new details, name of contractor who died in accident at Sasol

WESTLAKE, LA (KPLC) - A contractor died while working at Sasol Wednesday morning, said Kim Cusimano, manager of public affairs with Sasol North American Operations.

Tyler J. Truett, 24, of Sulphur, fell an estimated 55 feet from scaffolding, said Kim Myers, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office spokeswoman. The death appears to be accidental.

Deputies were called to Sasol at 10:50 a.m., Myers said. When deputies arrived, Truett was deceased.

Cusimano said Sasol cannot "speak to the cause of the accident," but said a thorough investigation will be conducted by Sasol, FTI and Performance Contractors.

"It is with deep sadness that we can confirm the loss of a contractor's employee this morning while working at the Sasol project site in Westlake," Cusimano said. "This is a sad day for Sasol and our team on site. Our thoughts are with the employee's family at this difficult time."

Emergency responders provided backup to site emergency responders, Cusimano said. She said the death has also been reported to the appropriate federal and state regulatory authorities.

Cusimano said all work was stopped at the project for the day but that they expect to resume work Thursday pending a 'safety stand down' in the morning.

KPLC has reached out to Performance Contractors, Inc. at its Sulphur office and Baton Rouge Headquarters with no response.

Meanwhile, it's been a tough day for Truett's family, friends, and fellow employees.

His friends at Lake Charles Powerlifting - Truett was an avid powerlifter - said off camera that it's a shock and also obviously a difficult time for his widow -- whom he just recently married.

Hundreds of people posted to KPLC's Facebook page sharing their condolences to Truett's family and offering their prayers. 

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