[WEARTV] ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- An investigation into an alleged noose believed to have been found at the International Paper Co. mill in Cantonment has come to an end.International Paper's Director of Marketing Thomas Ryan tells Channel 3 that what they found on site in late June was actually not a noose at all.
Ryan says they immediately partnered with a third party to investigate the supposed noose. That third party group, he says, was very diverse.
Ryan says the Sherlocks reviewed current and historical photographs and interviewed more than 60 employees and contractors. They found the rope was actually used to hold up cables, but knocked down by a storm that night.
He sent Channel 3 a statement reading in part:
The team discovered photographs from as far back as 2012 that showed the rope was used to elevate cables that were knocked to the ground by a storm. The team ultimately found no evidence of racist conduct or intent. The company remains committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce and a workplace where all employees feel welcomed and able to contribute their best every day.