BURNS HARBOR | The death of millwright Russell Payne, 60, of Portage, on Wednesday at ArcelorMittal's Burns Harbor plant appears to be an unfortunate accident.

Porter County Coroner Vicki Deppe said preliminary results of the autopsy on Thursday showed Payne died of blunt force injuries to the head. No other injuries to the body were found.

Deppe said toxicology results were pending, but there was no suspicion that drugs or alcohol were involved.

"From the investigation, it appears to be accidental," she said.

ArcelorMittal spokesman David Allen said a joint management and United Steelworkers Local 6787 safety investigation into the fatality was immediately launched.

"Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased," he said.

USW Local 6787 President Paul Gipson said the accident occurred in a former slabbing mill that had been converted into a storage area for large equipment.

Payne and a co-worker were assigned to store two crane girders. They had completed the job and the heavy chains were unhooked from the girder. However, as the crane was moved, one of the hooks on the chain caught on the corner of the girder, dragging it down. Unknown to his co-worker, Payne was in between the girders and was caught when the girder toppled.

Gipson said the co-worker "was absolutely devastated. They were very close friends."

He said investigators found nothing wrong with the pendant control for the crane and determined that lighting in the area was sufficient.

Payne was married and had two sons, Gipson said. The union is collecting funds for the family. Anyone wishing to help can call Local 6787 at (219) 762-6787.