Maintenance diver dies at La Salle Station nuclear power plant near Marseilles

MARSEILLES — A diver died Tuesday performing maintenance activities at the lake screen house at the La Salle Generating Station south of Marseilles, according to a report from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

According to the report, communications with a diver had been lost. Onsite and offsite emergency responders were dispatched. The diver was removed from the water but was unresponsive.

At 4:01 p.m., the La Salle County Station Operating Department was notified by emergency responders on-site the individual had died, according to the report.

Emergency crews were called to the nuclear power plant near Marseilles shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday. Divers go into underwater cooling areas at the nuclear power plant to perform maintenance duties.

Exelon issued a statement Wednesday morning: “Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the contract diver who passed away on Nov. 12 while working on a project at La Salle County Generating Station. We continue to work with the diver’s employer and local authorities to help investigate this incident.”

La Salle County Coroner William Wujek said he may release more information today.