SMYRNA – The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the death of a 23 year old man from West Virginia that occurred on Sunday. The victim, Charles Bevins 3rd from Buckhannon, West Virginia, was employed by Braden Drilling from Buckhannon. Braden Drilling is a Norse Energy contractor. Mr. Bevins was working at a drill site on State Route 80 in the Town of Smyrna with other employees setting steps to a piece of equipment. Mr. Bevins was helping direct the forklift operator when the forklift rolled into a rut and pinned him against the equipment. He was transported by Cooperstown Medical Transport to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse where he died during surgery. The Smyrna Fire Department also responded to the scene.

An autopsy was conducted today at the Onondaga County Forensic Sciences Building, results are pending.

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation of the incident and a final determination of the cause is pending.