Worker Killed at West Virginia Lumber Mill; Sheriff and Safety Agencies Investigating

Michael D. Martin, 73, of Mannington, West Virginia, was killed in an industrial accident at Appalachian Forest Products' hardwood lumber mill in Buckhannon on the afternoon of June 9, 2026, according to the Upshur County Sheriff's Office and local news accounts.

Deputies responded to the facility at approximately 3 p.m. after a report of an industrial accident. Emergency personnel located Martin, who had sustained fatal injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to WV MetroNews.

Investigation underway

The Upshur County Sheriff's Office is working with "appropriate workplace safety and regulatory agencies" to determine the circumstances of the incident, WV MetroNews reported. No findings have been issued; the investigation is open.

The specific nature of the accident had not been disclosed as of this report. 411 Press will update as the investigation produces findings. The death is part of 411 Press's ongoing industrial accident coverage; it follows other recent sawmill and wood-products fatalities, including a worker killed by a rock crusher in Swampscott, Massachusetts.

About the company

Appalachian Forest Products — which also operates as AFP Logs and Lumber, Inc. — is one of the region's larger hardwood producers. The Buckhannon company processes hardwood logs and kiln-dried lumber and ships to industrial, commercial, and export customers worldwide, according to published company accounts.

Appalachian Forest Products has not commented publicly on the death.