Andrew M. Ward, 41, was working on an elevated platform with other employees at the Sierra Pacific Mill at 301 Hagara St. in Aberdeen when he fell to his death on April 8, according to Steve Shumate with the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office.

“He was a valued member of our crew,” said Lisa Perry, Washington Community Relations Director for Sierra Pacific Industries. “We are devastated by the loss of our friend and co-worker and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

Deputies were called to the mill site around 7 a.m. Saturday after coworkers reported Ward had fallen about 20 feet. The Aberdeen Fire Department also was called to the scene, and CPR was being performed on Ward as deputies responded. When they arrived they learned the Elma man had died.

The Sheriff’s Office notified next of kin and the coroner’s office. Investigators from the state Department of Labor and Industries arrived later Saturday to conduct their own investigation.

“The fall and subsequent death appear to be a very tragic workplace accident,” Shumate said. “Our sincere condolences to the Ward family.”

No further information was available from Sierra Pacific as the investigations are ongoing.