A worker at the Ameren Missouri power plant at Labadie died Tuesday after falling 85 feet from a platform.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office identified the worker as 32-year-old Catherine Berliner of Hermann. It was reported that she had worked at the Labadie Plant for about five years.
The sheriff initially reported that the woman's condition was not known, but family members later confirmed that Berliner had died from her injuries.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, at Assumption Church, New Haven. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 23, from 2-8 p.m. at Toedtmann-Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.
She is survived by her husband, Randy Berliner, Hermann; her parents, Terry Marquart and wife Valerie, nee Vollmer; one daughter, Veronica Berliner, of the home; her stepchildren, Bryan, Daniel and Teri Berliner, all of the home; other relatives and many friends.
Sheriff's deputies, firefighters with the Boles Fire Protection District and Meramec Ambulance District personnel responded to the plant about 9:15 a.m.
Berliner had been working with a power tool on a platform approximately 85 feet above the floor. It appeared that the power tool kicked back and struck her in the head, knocking her from the platform, according to the sheriff's office.
"This is one of the more major things we've responded to (at the Labadie plant) in recent times," Boles Fire Chief Jim Casey said. "We've had some fires and accidents and minor EMS situations, but this is probably one of the more severe accidents we've had in some time there."
An Ameren official contacted by The Missourian Tuesday morning confirmed that an accident happened but did not provide any other details about the incident or the extent of the worker's injuries.
In a press release issued late Tuesday afternoon an Ameren spokesperson said Berliner had been performing maintenance on one of the plant's boiler units.
"We are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation. This is a tragedy for all involved and no words can express our sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the employee’s family members and our co-workers who are grieving this loss," the release stated.
mudy posted at 8:03 am on Thu, Dec 22, 2011.
our prayers go out to the family for their loss, expecially at this time of the year. God bless
Kate posted at 7:49 pm on Tue, Dec 20, 2011.
My condolences to the family of Catherine Berliner. There was no mention of Fall protection. Such a shame for such a young woman to loose her life. My prayers are with the family.
arnold posted at 6:27 pm on Tue, Dec 20, 2011.
Rest in peace Cathy.