CANTON — A representative for Pilgrim’s said the chicken producer company is cooperating with local law enforcement officials in investigating a fatal accident that occurred Tuesday inside its Canton chicken plant.

Communications Specialist Margaret McDonald sent a release Tuesday evening in response to the worker’s death.

“Pilgrim’s is saddened to report the death of an employee today due to an incident at the Pilgrim’s plant in Canton,” McDonalds said. “The company is cooperating with local law enforcement officials as well as (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to investigate.”

McDonald said Pilgrim’s, located at 654 Univeter Road, has made several counselors available for support and assistance to help employees to address their grief.

“We encourage those who would like to seek counseling to avail themselves of these services,” McDonald said.

Out of respect for the family, McDonald provided no further details.

Lt. Jay Baker, spokesman for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, said in a release deputies were dispatched to the chicken plant in reference to the death that had occurred inside the plant.

“Upon arrival, deputies discovered an unidentified adult male who had been killed following an industrial accident,” Baker said.

Baker did not disclose the victim’s identity but said detectives are on the scene investigating. He said foul play is not suspected in the worker’s death.

Pilgrim’s was formerly Pilgrims Pride and is the second largest chicken producer in the world with facilities in 12 states, Mexico and Puerto Rico.