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Beheaded woman's husband to receive workers comp benefits

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Beheaded woman's husband to receive workers comp benefits

The widower of an Oklahoma worker who was decapitated by her co-worker is entitled to death benefits and lifetime weekly workers compensation benefits, an administrative law judge with the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission has ruled.

Colleen Hufford worked in customer service for Moore, Oklahoma-based Vaughan Foods Inc., a subsidiary of Reser's Fine Foods Inc., when she was beheaded by a male co-worker on Sept. 25, according to reports.

Alton Nolen, who had been suspended shortly before the incident took place Sept. 25, was charged with first-degree murder and assault, according to news reports in September.

An administrative law judge at the Oklahoma workers comp commission in December awarded Ms. Hufford's husband, KC Hufford, $100,000 in death benefits plus $418 a week for the rest of his life or until he remarries, according to court documents provided by the Oklahoma comp commission.

Production line worker Traci J. Johnson was also attacked by Mr. Nolen on Sept. 25. She suffered 17 knife wounds to her neck and face and is dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and survivor's guilt, her attorney told The Oklahoman.

Ms. Johnson was employed by 1st Staffing Group USA and had been at Vaughan Foods for four days when the incident took place, according to reports. She's being paid $352 a week in workers comp benefits for total temporary disability as she recovers, reports state.

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