State investigates worker’s death in Henrico

State officials are investigating the death of a worker at a Henrico County metal finishing and coating company.

Alan Barclay Tyler, 26, died apparently of a head wound Friday when a large piece of metal was being moved by a forklift, according to Henrico police. A lifting strap snapped, and a support block struck Tyler in the head, police said.

The death occurred during a sandblasting operation at EPAcoat Inc., in the 4500 block of Oakleys Lane, on Friday about 2:20 p.m.

Another employee, Daniel P. Shepherd, 30, was injured, police said.

Jean Enroughty, who identified herself as president of the company, declined yesterday to say how long Tyler had worked for the company or to provide other details about the death. She said the firm employs about 15 people.

"We're devastated right now and just trying to deal with the loss," she said.

Jennifer Wester, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Labor and Industry, said the agency is investigating but that she was unsure of the dimensions of the metal plate or what it was used for.

A service for Tyler, who police say lived in Highland Springs, is scheduled for today at 11 a.m. at Monaghan Funeral Home in Mechanicsville. Contributions may be made to the SPCA Spay and Neuter Fund.

Contact Bill McKelway at (804) 649-6601 or .