University of Maine Intern Kasie Malcolm Dies After Gas Exposure at Baileyville Pulp Mill

The University of Maine confirmed that junior chemical engineering student Kasie Malcolm died after being exposed to a gas at Woodland Pulp in Baileyville, Maine, on Jan. 27. Two people were overcome by gas inside the mill and were transported to Calais Hospital; Malcolm later died from her injuries.

Incident Details

According to a news release from the Baileyville Fire Department, firefighters responded to Woodland Pulp at about 6:20 p.m. local time after receiving a report of "two people down in the plant." Crews found two individuals who appeared to have been overcome by a gas and evacuated them to waiting EMS units. Both were taken to Calais Hospital with serious injuries.

Woodland Pulp spokesperson Scott Beal told local outlets that Malcolm and another person were near a section of the mill's bleach plant while employees were in the process of shutting down the facility. "We believe they were exposed to an inhalation hazard of gas, and they were stricken," Beal said. Woodland Pulp is investigating the incident.

Kasie MalcolmKasie Malcolm/Facebook

University Response and Support

The University of Maine sent a message to the campus community confirming Malcolm's death and offering condolences. "We are deeply saddened to share news of the death of Kasie Malcolm, a junior majoring in chemical engineering at the University of Maine," the message read. The university noted that support resources are available to students, faculty and staff affected by the loss.

Remembrances

Former teachers and colleagues remembered Malcolm for her intellect, character and love of outdoor sports. Paul Marquis, president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, N.H., described her as "a quiet but powerful thinker" and "a gifted student and an accomplished swimmer." A colleague told the Bangor Daily News that Malcolm worked as a climbing instructor at the University’s Maine Bound Adventure Center. Friends and family have launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses.

Investigation and Public Safety

The Baileyville Fire Department said the gas leak posed no ongoing threat to the public and appeared to be isolated to the mill. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened an inquiry, and Woodland Pulp said it is conducting its own investigation. Local and national outlets have sought additional comment from the company and the fire department.

Note: Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause and circumstances of the exposure. Anyone affected by this news is encouraged to use campus support services or local resources for help.