Female Worker Later Dies At Hospital 

An employee of Memphis, TN-based Pinnacle Airlines was involved in an accident at Dayton International Airport (DAY) Wednesday that later claimed her life.

The employee, identified Catrina Coffman, 21, of Harrison Township, was injured after becoming entrapped in a baggage elevator. The Montgomery Coroner's office said the cause of death was asphyxiation and ruled it accidental.

Whether Coffman attempted to use an emergency-stop switch on the lift was not yet known. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration have launched an investigation, DAY spokeswoman Sharon Sears said.

"Everything about the operation and the equipment will be addressed by OSHA's investigation," Sears said.

"We are incredibly saddened by this tragic loss," said Philip Trenary, Pinnacle Airlines president.

The small elevator is used to transport luggage to the ramp, where it is loaded onto aircraft preparing for departure. It is located in an area inaccessible to passengers, according to the Associated Press.

FMI: www.daytonairport.com