Moses Lake man killed in accident at Genie plant

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake man was killed Tuesday evening during an industrial accident at the Genie Industries plant, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday.

He was later identified by the Grant County Coroner's Office as 31-year-old Michael Huntley, according to a KHQ report.

Emergency responders were called to the Genie plant on Graham Road Northeast about 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, where they found a man was pinned by falling equipment.

He was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, according to the sheriff's office.

Officials at Genie Industries said they have temporarily ceased operations at the Moses Lake plant pending a state Department of Labor and Industries investigation. Genie is working with internal and external experts to determine the exact cause of the accident.

"In the 50 years of its history, Genie has never experienced a team member fatality at any of its facilities," according to a statement released by Genie. "We are fully committed to supporting a thorough investigation. As always, we are mindful of the well-being and safety of our other team members."

Genie is providing on-site counseling for employees at the Moses Lake plant.

Condolences and support for Huntley's family have been pouring in, as online readers have posted to the Columbia Basin Herald's Facebook page throughout the day.

"May he rest in peace and praying for the family that they can get through this tragic time," one user posted.

Another user wrote, in part, "As a former Genie employee, I know that the employees consider each other family. Such a tragic loss."

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Moses Lake Genie