Officials investigating millworker’s death

RUMFORD – An investigation into a paper mill worker’s death will determine whether he died from a fall or a medical condition, officials said Tuesday.

John Crawford, 58, of Dixfield initially was believed to have fallen from an elevator platform at the NewPage Corp., but it was unclear whether he fell or collapsed from a pre-existing medical condition, Rumford police Detective Sgt. Daniel Garbarini said.

Crawford was found on the floor next to the elevator late Monday afternoon. There was a 6-foot drop from the top of the elevator to the floor, Garbarini said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state medical examiner were contacted, Garbarini said. An autopsy was scheduled for this afternoon.