(Updated) 1 dead after incident at Rusken Packaging

Updated on August 14, 2024, 21:44

Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick confirmed Wednesday evening that Doug Cordes, 48, of Vinemont died as a result of a medical emergency while operating a forklift at Rusken Packaging.

Kilpatrick stated that Cordes did indeed fall from the forklift, but the fall was due to a medical emergency. He stated that the cause of death is currently listed as a heart attack.

Brian Bradberry, public safety director for the city of Cullman, said, “Please keep the family and everyone involved in mind and pray for them.”

Original story below

CULLMAN, Alabama. – One person died at Rusken Packaging early Wednesday evening.

Shortly before five a.m., the dispatch center received calls about a possible medical emergency at the facility located at 64 Walnut Street NW in the city of Cullman.

Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick confirmed to The Tribune that the call came in at 4:59 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14.

Kilpatrick said the original 911 call stated that “a forklift driver had hit his head and passed out.”

On site, paramedics cared for the unnamed driver until his death was confirmed on the scene.

Kilpatrick said he would release the person's name and age once the family was notified.

According to its website, Rusken Packaging has operations throughout the United States—19 facilities in 10 states—with headquarters in Cullman.

More information on this story as it develops.