Florence County, SC, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Two separate workplace fatalities have occurred in Florence County, SC, involving 51-year-old Mark Anthony Richardson at Smurfit WestRock and 64-year-old Marron Shefton at Nan Ya Plastics. OSHA is currently investigating both incidents, raising concerns about workplace safety in the region. Authorities highlight the need for strict adherence to safety regulations in manufacturing environments. The investigations aim to understand the causes of these tragedies and ensure compliance with safety standards to prevent future occurrences.
Florence County, SC – A workplace incident at Smurfit WestRock in Florence County has resulted in the death of a 51-year-old man, identified as Mark Anthony Richardson. He succumbed to his injuries at the Augusta Burn Center, as confirmed by Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken. This tragic event has prompted an investigation by the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is currently ongoing.
Richardson’s death follows a separate incident at the same Smurfit WestRock facility, where another individual suffered injuries. Details regarding this second worker’s condition have not been released as of yet. The Director of External Communications at Smurfit WestRock, Robby Johnson, has issued a statement in relation to the incidents, highlighting the company’s commitment to workplace safety.
In addition to the incident at Smurfit WestRock, a second workplace fatality has been reported at Nan Ya Plastics, a plant located in Lake City, Florence County. The victim, identified as 64-year-old Marron Shefton, died on Saturday, according to reports from Coroner von Lutcken. An autopsy for Shefton is scheduled for Tuesday morning at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) as part of the investigative process.
As both incidents are currently under scrutiny by OSHA and local authorities, further updates are expected as investigations progress. Concerns surrounding workplace safety have arisen following these tragic occurrences. Understanding the causes and identifying preventative measures will be a priority for both organizations involved, as well as for state labor officials.
Workplace fatalities are a serious matter, and OSHA plays a critical role in investigating incidents to promote safe working environments across various industries. The agency seeks to determine compliance with safety guidelines and assess the circumstances that lead to such accidents, ultimately aiming to protect workers. Authorities are reminding all employers of their responsibility to ensure that proper safety standards are met to avoid tragic outcomes like those witnessed in Florence County.
Background Context
Both Smurfit WestRock and Nan Ya Plastics are significant employers in Florence County, engaging in industries that require stringent adherence to safety regulations. These incidents highlight the risks present in manufacturing and processing environments, where hazards can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. With OSHA’s involvement, there will be detailed investigations into these occurrences, including reviews of workplace practices and worker safety training protocols.
Conclusion
The ongoing investigations into the fatalities at both Smurfit WestRock and Nan Ya Plastics underscore the importance of workplace safety. Updates regarding the findings of these investigations will be communicated as more information becomes available. The tragedies of Richardson and Shefton serve as a grim reminder of the critical importance of fostering a safe working environment for all employees.
FAQs
What happened at Smurfit WestRock?
A 51-year-old man, Mark Anthony Richardson, died following a workplace incident at the facility. OSHA is currently investigating the incident.
Who was the victim at Nan Ya Plastics?
The victim at Nan Ya Plastics was identified as Marron Shefton, a 64-year-old man who died in an accident at the plant.
What investigations are being conducted?
The South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting investigations into both workplace incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
What safety measures are being reviewed?
Authorities are reviewing workplace practices and safety training protocols to identify compliance with safety standards and prevent future incidents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WPDE: WestRock Factory Fire Death
- Wikipedia: Workplace Safety
- WMBF: Man Killed in Workplace Accident
- Google Search: Workplace Accidents
- WPDE: Deadly Shooting in Florence
- Google Scholar: Workplace Safety Regulations
- WBTW: One Dead After Workplace Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workplace Injury
- WPDE: Public Input Meetings for Bridge Projects
- Google News: Florence County News
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
