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4th Victim of IL Plant Blast ID'd

The body was recovered late Tuesday from the rubble.

The remains of the building after the explosion and fire gutted AB Specialty Silicones.
The remains of the building after the explosion and fire gutted AB Specialty Silicones.
AP file

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) — Officials have identified the fourth victim of an explosion at a northern Illinois silicone plant and say a memorial is planned Friday morning at the site.

AB Specialty Silicones general manager Mac Penman on Thursday identified the final employee who died in the May 3 blast as 24-year-old Daniel Nicklas of Beach Park. Waukegan Fire Marshal Steve Lenzi says the body was recovered late Tuesday from the rubble, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Chicago.

Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper said his office would use dental records or DNA to officially confirm Nicklas' identity.

Lenzi has said there is no evidence of foul play and the explosion appears to be an accident that happened within the processes at the factory. Penman says the company "has resolved to re-open."

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