PORTLAND, OR – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this week met with the family of Eric Engle, the Walla Walla District utility employee who passed away while on duty June 29th at Dworshak Dam, to share with them the findings of the agency’s internal investigation. According to the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Matt Rabe, it was the determination of the investigating team that Engle’s death was not caused by the violation by USACE of any Army or USACE safety policies or practices.
“While we will never truly know exactly what happened, our teams will learn from this tragic incident and take steps to reduce the chances of this happening to any other employee,” Rabe says.
On the morning of June 30th, Engle was found deceased in a non-public area of the Dworshak project. Crews immediately contacted 911 and the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. A total of five investigations ensued including by the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office, Clearwater County Medical Examiner, Federal OSHA, USACE Safety Investigation Board, and an investigation under Army Regulation 15-6.
On July 26th, the Clearwater County Coroner determined that the cause of Engle’s death was carbon monoxide poisoning from inhalation of exhaust fumes.
“Eric Engle was a valued member of his community and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps grieves the loss of his life and continues to offer sincere condolences to his family and loved ones,” Walla Walla District Commander LTC ShaiLin KingSlack previously stated.
Engle was a utility worker at the Dworshak Dam powerhouse who performed many key functions.
“The USACE is particularly proud of Eric’s contribution to the installation of the decorative lights on display at Dworshak Dam. The new red, white and blue lights were displayed at the Dam over the 4th of July holiday in his honor and memory, and they will continue to shine on as a reflection of his duty and service to the USACE and this great nation he loved,” a previous news release stated.
