Company cited in worker's death

WILLISTON, N.D. — An oil-field company in Williston has been cited for safety violations in the January death of a Kalispell worker at an oil rig in McKenzie County, North Dakota.

Kyle Winter, 22, died Jan. 31 when he was crushed while installing pipe at an oil rig north of Watford City, N.D.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Winter was struck by an improperly secured load that fell.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing $14,000 in fines against Heller Casing Service. The company has about two weeks to pay the fines or contest the citations and penalties.

A person who answered the phone at Heller Casing Service declined comment to The Associated Press.

Winter is survived by his parents, Randy and Mary Winter, of Kalispell; and his sister, Justine Winter.

Winter attended Flathead High School.

In 2007, he was named most improved defensive player on the Flathead Braves football team and in 2008, Winter appeared in a photo in the Daily Inter Lake along with 19 other students after taking part in the State Leadership Conference for Business Professionals of America.