Authorities Investigating Details Surrounding the Death of Lorna McMurrey

Massachusetts authorities are investigating the death of Lorna McMurrey, the employee who died in January at a Trulieve Holdings LLC facility in Holyoke, Western Mass News reports. The investigation is not criminal in nature but Holyoke Fire Department Capt. David Rex told Western Mass News that the medical examiner and police are focused on the call made to the fire department on January 7 around 11 p.m.    

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded in its report that McMurrey, 27, died from inhaling “ground cannabis dust.” 

“Filling pre-rolls She (sic) said she couldn’t breathe. Not being able to breathe Marijuana kief (dust) At 11:00 p.m. on January 7, 2022, an employee was grinding cannabis flowers, and packaging ground cannabis in pre-rolls. The employee could not breathe and was killed, due to the hazards of ground cannabis dust.” — OSHA in the January 7 report   

OSHA filed three citations, including more than $35,000 in fines, against Trulieve related to a lack of appropriate training and available safety information for hazardous chemicals. Trulieve is contesting the fines. 

There is no exposure limit in place per OSHA for exposure to “ground cannabis dust.”

In a statement to Western Mass News, Trulieve said, “Our hearts go out to Ms. McMurrey’s family, friends, and colleagues as the circumstances around her passing have recently resurfaced, resulting in their having to re-experience their loss.” 

McMurrey’s death was first reported by The Young Jurks podcast.   

“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not going to provide any details as to the specifics of that day. However, OSHA conducted a thorough investigation of the Holyoke facility. [Personal Protective Equipment] was available onsite,” the spokesperson told Western Mass News. “They tested the air quality throughout the facility and the samples were all well below acceptable ranges. OSHA did issue citations related to communication standards and Trulieve has contested those findings. We cherish and value all of the 9,000 employees who make Trulieve a family and the safety of our team members is paramount to our core values.”