A contract worker died Friday at Upper Peninsula Power Company's Hoist Dam in Negaunee Township. (Photo courtesy of UPPCO)

NEGAUNEE – A contractor died Friday morning while working at the Upper Peninsula Power Company’s Hoist Dam in Negaunee Township, authorities said.

The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office Technical Rescue Unit 131 was dispatched about 11 a.m. for a confined rescue inside a penstock of UPPCO’s Hoist Powerhouse, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

“A contractor had to be extricated from inside the penstock and was later pronounced dead at the scene,” the release states.

Two contractors were working to apply a coating inside the penstock when it is believed their air monitors alerted them conditions were unsafe and the two workers headed to the access hatch. One managed to get out and was taken to UPHS-Bell and is in stable condition. The other slid nearly 90 feet down the inclined pipe and did not escape, according to the news release.

No name was released pending the notification of family.

“This is preliminary information and the investigation is ongoing,” the sheriff’s office stated.

The sheriff’s office was assisted at the site by Marquette County Search and Rescue, Negaunee Township Fire Department, Marquette City Fire Department and UPHS-EMS.

UPPCO confirmed the death Friday in a news release. “Our deepest condolences go out to the individual’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” said Dan Freeborn, manager of communications and external affairs.

The release added that “UPPCO is fully cooperating with all authorities involved as the investigation continues.”