COEUR d'ALENE - Operators of the Incredible Corn Maze in Hauser have agreed to a settlement for three serious violations connected to the October death of a teen employee.

Last month, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reduced what was initially a $14,000 fine after meetings with NW Creative Solutions, the corporation which operated the maze. The corporation will now be required to pay $6,000, and will reach out and share what it learned from the incident with other similar operations throughout the area.

"Any hope of preventing another incident like this is probably the best possible outcome of such a terrible tragedy," said David Kearns, OSHA area director. "Our sincere condolences go out to Jeremy's family and friends."

Spokane Valley resident Jeremy McSpadden, 18, died on Oct. 10, 2014, while playing the role of a zombie at a new attraction called the Zombie Slayer Paintball Bus. Visitors to the maze could board a school bus modified with paintball guns mounted outside the windows. While riding the bus, patrons could shoot paintballs at actors who would pretend to attack the bus.

Investigators determined that McSpadden, a senior at West Valley High School, was killed instantly when he stumbled and was hit by the rear wheel of the bus. The teen's death was investigated by Kootenai County Sheriff's detectives, who determined no crime had been committed.

The Incredible Corn Maze has shut down permanently, and Kearns clarified that the attraction closing was not part of the settlement agreement.

"This was their own decision," Kearns said. "OSHA's goal is to ensure safe jobs, not shutting down businesses."

If NW Creative Solutions, or any other entity, decides to reopen the maze within five years, under the agreement it will be required to first hire a qualified safety professional. The hired individual will then conduct a complete safety and health audit of the worksite, review the employee safety and health management program, and "provide recommendations for improvement."