April 13th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Times News reports that little information has been released pertaining to the death of a Verso employee. Responding to a request by the Cumberland Times-News, Verso officials refused Thursday to discuss the happenings that led to the April 9 death of a worker at the paper mill’s woodyard in Beryl, West Virginia, just across the North Branch of the Potomac River and a bit upstream from the mill.

Matthew Shumaker, 45, a 20-year employee, was the victim.

Verso spokeswoman Miranda Kessel released this statement Thursday afternoon.

"Verso always has been and remains committed to providing a safe work environment.  We are continuously looking for ways to improve our safety practices, and we are closely examining the circumstances surrounding the death of our teammate, Matt Shumaker, for further opportunities to improve. Because this matter remains under investigation and in deference to the Shumaker family’s request for privacy, we will not comment further at this time. We are extremely saddened by the loss of our teammate and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."  

It is unclear who is investigating the incident. Earlier this week, Kessel said the appropriate local, state and federal agencies have been notified.