NEBRASKA'S FALLEN WORKERS
These are a few of the men and women that went to work in Nebraska and were fatally injured never going home to their families at the end of their shift. We remember, honor and recognize these men and women for their dedication and hardwork. We would like to sincerely thank the families that shared their loved one's picture and their tragic loss with USMWF.
~ 5/13/1957 -2/20/2018 ~
|
James Ailstock, 60James was injured on the job in February 2018 and died a day later while working for American Service Lines in Kearney, Nebraska. He was struck by a truck while working.
Linda - OSHA investigated American Service Lines. No fines rendered. Rationale: No rules for parking lots at businesses you visit was their reasoning. They did not investigate meat packing plant. They did suggest truck drivers wear reflective jackets when out of truck. (that would not have helped in his situation because the driver of pickup wasn't looking where he was backing up). This inspection is closed. |
~ 2/14/1989 - 4/11/2015 ~
|
Craig Anderson, 26Craig was killed on the job in April 2015 while working for Gehring Construction & Ready Mix Co. in Schuyler, Nebraska. He was killed when he was struck by chain that was pulling a vehicle.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $14,630.00 penalty for two serious violations and one other than serious violation. These penalties and citations were not reduced. This inspection is closed. Inspection: 1053578.015 - Gehring Construction And Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. |
~ 7/20/1990 - 6/19/2014 ~
|
Jesus Manny Armendariz, 23Jesus was killed on the job in June 2014 while working at Michael Foods Egg Production Company in Wakefield, Nebraska. He was killed when he was over come by fumes. Jesus was taking samples inside a tanker truck that held egg products and nitrogen before he was found unresponsive.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $30,900.00 penalty for five serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $21,510.00 for four serious violations. This inspection is now closed. Inspection: 981715.015 - Michael Foods, Inc. |
~ 4/3/1963 - 4/18/2019 ~
|
Melvin Balaban, Jr., 56Melvin was killed on the job in April 2019 while working for Stonebrook Enterprises, Llc. in Fremont, NE. He was killed after he was thrown and fell approximately 40ft out of a scissor lift. Another worker was injured.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $10,741 penalty for one serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $7,500 . This inspection is closed. Inspection: 1394567.015 - Stonebrook Enterprises, Llc. |
~ 8/24/1966 - 1/20/14 ~
|
David Ball, 47
David was killed on the job in January 20, 2014 while working for International Nutrition Plant, Nebraska. He was killed when he was crushed when the building collapsed.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $120,000.00 penalty for seven serious, one willful, one repeat and two other than serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $78,000.00 for four serious, two repeat and three other than serious violations. This inspection is closed. Inspection: 955579.015 - International Nutrition, Inc |
~ May 27, 2015 ~
|
Thomas Bales
Thomas was killed on the job in May 2015 while working for Wanzek Construction Inc. in Elgin, Nebraska. He was killed after the crane he was operating rolled into a field.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $7,000.00 penalty for one serious violation. This inspection is closed. Inspection: 1066319.015 - Wanzek Construction |
~ 12/2/1950 - 3/20/2014 ~
|
John E. Bennett, 63
John was killed on the job in March 2014 while working for Midwest Farmers Cooperative’s grain handling facility in Tecumseh, Nebraska. He was overcome by anhydrous ammonia vapors while transferring the liquid from a semi truck to bulk storage tanks. He later died at the hospital from complications related to the ammonia inhalation. Three other workers were injured.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed penalties of $62,101.00 for ten serious citations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $25,200.00 for four serious violation and $12,600.00 for three other than serious violations. This inspection is still open as of 8/29/2015. Inspection: 964263.015 - Midwest Farmers Cooperative |
~ August 1977 - 1954 ~
|
Loren Boller, 23
Loren was killed on the job in August 1977 while working for Fruehauf Trailer Co. in Omaha, Nebraska. He died in a welding incident.
As of January 2013, we have been unable to gain any information on this case. He was inside the tank area checking for weld strength. They pumped air into the bulkhead between the two tanks to check for weld leakage. The bulkhead gave way and he was killed instantly. We were told that there was only to have been like 9 psi of air pressure to test, the line feeding it would hold over 300 psi, and the regulator gauge was faulty, they did not know how much pressure there had been. |
~ 12/6/1974 - 3/15/2012 ~
|
Rodney R. Bridgett, 37Rodney was killed on the job in March 2012 while working for Tyson Foods Inc. in Dakota City, Nebraska. Rodney was performing maintenance work when quick link chain failed and he was crushed by equipment.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $145,6000 penalty for fourteen serious violations, and one other than serious violation. In a informal conference they proposed a $78,150.00 penalty for fifteen serious violation. This inspection is closed. Inspection: 281167.015 - Tyson Foods Inc. Rodney R. Bridgett, 37, of Sioux City passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from injuries suffered at work. Rodney graduated from East High School in 1993. He worked at Tyson Foods as a maintenance mechanic. He was married to Jaime Brewer on March 19, 1999 in Elk Point, S.D. Rodney loved doing anything mechanical, from fixing cars or motorcycles to any type of machines. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, skate boarding, playing video games with his kids and swimming. He was a member of union UFCW Local 222. He is survived by his wife, Jaime Bridgett four sons, Duaine, Destin, Reilly and Ramsey; father, Ronald (Ellen) Bridgett of Sioux City; mother, Charmaine (Lonnie) Winbolt of Hubbard, Neb.; three brothers, Andrew, Nicholas and James; and paternal grandparents, Robert (Vivian) Bridgett. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Viola and Harvey Sholl. To see more about Rodney. |
~10/8/1996-3/21/2022~
|
Blair Bullock, 25Blair was fatally injured on the job in March 2022 while working for T&L Irrigation, in Red Rock, Nebraska. She was fatally injured after she was pinned under an ATV.
This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction. Blair’s passion in life was putting interests in family, friends and even strangers before herself. She graduated from Branford High School in 2015 where she was a record holder in Basketball. She graduated from University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. She was a dual college athlete in basketball and rodeo, a Florida High School State Champion Breakaway Roper (2015), International Finals Youth Rodeo Breakaway Champion (2015) and National High School Rodeo Qualifer. She was a member of FCA, FFA, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball and Suwannee River Riding Club. During college she was a member of National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Ozark Region Reserve Champion, and National Intercollegiate Qualifer-Casper, WY. She also graduated with honors. Following college she coached JV and middle school basketball and was on the board of the Suwannee River Riding Club. Her love was training and riding horses and teaching others about the western way of life. She enjoyed music of all genres and had recently started DJ AirBlair 13 Entertainment. She loved spending time with family and friends and had friends of all ages and all walks of life. Following her passing she was honored in a tribute rodeo in her home town and was honored at her High School by the retiring of her no. 13 Jersey. There was a scholarship set up in her name at the University of West AL and she was honored at a tribute rode at the College. |
~ 12/1/2010 ~
|
Tonay Alryn E Bullock, 71
Arlyn Bullock (Al ) was killed while working on the Farm for Dottie Meyers just outside of Ravenna NE on Dec 1, 2010. He was operating an auger that dug holes into the ground, building a shelter belt for the horses. His coat got caught in the pto shaft and he was sucked into the auger which crushed him from the chin down. He was doing the one thing he loved to do.
This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction. "My stepfather taught us all that it is better to be loved then never be loved at all. He was to me the father that he never had to be. He will always be remembered and forever loved. He is missed terribly..." |
~ 4/12/1980 – 6/15/2010~
|
Neil C. Cary, 30
Neil was killed on the job in June 2010 while working for Benes Heating And Air Conditioning Service Inc. in Raymond, Nebraska. He was killed when he fell from a loft/balcony elevated area.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $11,500.00 penalty for three serious violation and one other than serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $8,000.00. This inspection is closed. Inspection: 314055492 - Benes Heating And Air Conditioning Service, Inc. |
~6/12/2009 ~
|
Brian Cellar, 62
Brian Cellar, 62 Brian was killed on the job in June 2009 while working at Wynne Transport Service Inc. in Endicott, Nebraska. He was killed when pinned between two trucks. Brian was preparing to pump a load of liquid asphalt and was pinned between two trucks.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $9,100.00 penalty for one serious violation and one other than serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,005.00 This inspection is closed. Inspection: 311467286 - Wynne Transport Service, Inc. He was preparing to pump a load of liquid asphalt from one parked truck to another. The trucks were parked on an incline. The parking brake was not set on the truck. There were no wheel chocks behind the wheels of the truck he was operating. The truck rolled backwards, and he tried to get into the driver's cab to stop it. The truck pinned him between the two trucks. The employee was taken to the hospital where the he died from the injuries he sustained. |
~ 5/22/1990 - 10/7/2009 ~
|
Raven Bianca Rose Marie Cole, 19
Raven was killed in October 2009 while working for Werner Construction in Neligh, Nebraska. She was killed when she was pulled into an auger.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $202,000.00 penalty for three willful violations and one serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $101,000.00 for one willful violation and one serious violation. This inspection is closed. Inspection: 311468649 - Werner Construction, Inc. Raven loved cooking, cars and art, along with driving around in her car and listening to music. She liked to stay up late and sleep in late. Her goals were to go to school for auto body repair and maybe cooking. She hated ham but loved shrimp, steak and chicken. |
~ 5/13/1991 - 8/16/2010 ~
|
Emilo R. DeLeon, 19
Emilio was killed on the job in August 2010 while working at Scarborough Construction in Grand Island, Nebraska. He came in contact with high power line while in a bucket and was electrocuted.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $23,800.00 penalty for four serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $16,660.00 for four serious violations. This inspection is closed. Inspection: 314056334 - Scarborough Construction Inc. |
~ 9/17/2015 ~
|
Shon Disney, 32Shon was killed on the job in September 2015 while working for Zito Media in York, Nebraska. He was killed after a rollover incident occurred after working multiple long shifts.
This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction. |
~ 9/24/1955 – 9/26/2017 ~
|
Daniel L. Dutcher, 62
Daniel was killed in September 2017 while working for Michael's Foods in Wakefield, Nebraska.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and assessed a $188,464.00 penalty for five serious and one willful violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced $131,000.00 for five serious and 1 repeat violations and one other than serious violation. This inspection is closed. Inspection: 1266349.015 - Michael Foods, Inc. |
~ 1/20/14 ~
|
Keith Everett, 53
Keith was killed on the job in January 2014 while working for International Nutrition Plant, Nebraska. He was killed when he was crushed when the building collapsed.
David Ball, employee of International Nutrition was also killed in this incident. Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $120,000.00 penalty for seven serious, one willful, one repeat and two other violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $78,000.00 for four serious, two repeat and three other violation. This case is still open. Inspection: 955579.015 - International Nutrition, Inc. |
~12/12/1986-09/22/2019~
|
Zane Wells Fecht, 32
Zane was fatally injured on the job in September 2019 while working for Interstate Commodities, Inc. in Fremont, Nebraska. He became engulfed in grain after he entered the grain bin to unclog a mixture of milo, corn, and soybeans. It took approximately 8 hours to recover Mr. Fecht.
OSHA investigated the incident and proposed 10 serious violation and 7 repeat violations proposing a $228,592 penalty. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $137,155. This case is still open. Inspection: 1432818.015 - Interstate Commodities, Inc. Forever & Always you are loved and missed. Memories of you are cherished each and every day by many. -mother, Charlene Fecht. |
~ 3/18/1968 - 1/24/2017 ~
|
Salvatore Fidone III, 48
Salvatore was killed on the job in January 2017 while working for Omaha Public Works in Omaha, Nebraska (He resided in Council Bluffs, IA). He died when he was struck by a vehicle while preparing to repair a pothole.
This is out of OSHA's jurisdiction. |
~5/13/1957 - 1/29/2009~
|
Robert Fitch (Uncle Bobby), 51Uncle Bobby was killed on the job in January 2009 while working for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company in Lincoln, Nebraska. He died when he fell 80ft to his death from a belt-operated manlift.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $12,500.00 penalty for three serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $2,500.00 for one other-than-serious violation. This case is closed. Inspection: 311465157 -ADM Milling Co. In loving memory of my Uncle Bobby. He gave me the biggest lesson of all... Always love like there is no tomorrow. |
~ 11/24/1953 - 10/2/2012 ~
|
James L Gabel, 58
James was killed on the job in October 2012 while working for Allied Seed Genetics in Geneva, Nebraska. He was killed when combine ran over him.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $5,600.00 penalty for two serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $4,200.00 for two serious violations. This case is closed. Inspection: 667099.015 - Allied Genetics, Llc |
~5/3/1963 - 2/3/2022~
|
Billy Goodwin, 58Billy was fatally injured on the job in February of 2022 while working for Williamson Trucking in Kimball, Nebraska.
No words can explain the pain we all felt when we were notified of your passing. We will forever be missing a piece of our family and heart! RIP baby brother! Until we meet again! Love and miss you! -Cathi |
~ 7/12/1970-11/15/2016 ~
|
Margaret Gray, 46
Margaret was killed on the job in November 2016 while working for Adams Construction near Greeley, NE. On October 3, 2016, Ms Gray was performing duties as a flagger on the south side of the road construction project. A vehicle driving apprxoimately 60MPH approached the construction zone and struck Margaret who was positioned on the shoulder of the road and out of the normal traffic flow. She was thrown from the point of impact approximately 140 feet and coming to rest approximately 12 feet from the road surface on the shoulder. Ms. Gray succumbed to her injuries on November 15, 2016.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident, No penalties or citations were accessed. This case is closed. |
~ 7/29/1963-2/4/2018 ~
|
Jeffrey L. Heiden, 54Jeffrey was killed in February 2018 while working at Wilson Trailer Company in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was fatally injured after he fell through an open gate on the scaffold platform striking his head on the concrete floor.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and assessed a $49,890 penalty for five serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced a $34,000. This case is closed. Inspection: 1292999.015 - Wilson Trailer Company |
~2/1/1997-9/9/2022~
|
Everett James Henry, 25Everett was fatally injured on the job in September 2022 while working for Father Flanagan's Boys Home in Boys Town , Nebraska. He was fatally injured when he was driving a ride-on mower while mowing grass on a peninsula of a lake. He was near the lake and ended up falling in and getting caught and drowned.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and assessed a $10,360 penalty for one serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $9,000 for one serious violation. Inspection: 1621343.015 - Father Flannagan?S Boys? Home Everett was an amazing son! He had two younger brothers and a mom and dad who miss him so much! He had his associate's degree in horticulture and while working full time at Boys Town, was taking online classes to get his Bachelor's in Urban Forestry through Oregon State University. He had achieved his Pesticide Applicator's License and also his Nebraska State Arborist's license and the International Society of Arboriculture certification. He was very proud of those certifications. He also was learning how to make Grandma Henry's pickles using her recipes, loved photography and taking pictures of stars, had just gotten his drone license and loved spending time with his best friend, Jessica. The photo we chose to honor Everett was a selfie taken by him after following clues and climbing up to get the prize in a tree from Treestuff.com. He was so proud that day! We miss him so much! Losing Everett has been the most difficult thing our family has faced, including his dad fighting prostate cancer. This should never have happened - Everett should still be here watching reruns of Psych with us and enjoying driving his 1972 VW Super Beetle and going on more adventures with Jessica. |
~ 12/5/1983 - 5/15/2009 ~
|
Ryan Hitchler, 25
Ryan was killed on the job in May 2009 while working for Diamond Sawing & Coring, L.L.C. at the Nebraska Air National Guard in Lincoln, Nebraska. He died when he fell nearly 20ft while repairing a hangar roof.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and assessed a $13,300.00 penalty for two serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to a $7,315.00 for two serious violations. Inspection: 311466817 - Diamond Sawing & Coring, L.L.C. |
~ 8/12/1970 - 4/14/2015 ~
|
Adrian LaPour, 44
Adrian was killed on the job in April 2015 while working at Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services, Llc in Nebraska. He died from an explosion.
OSHA investigated and proposed a $963,000 penalty for 20 serious, 10 willful, 2 repeat, and one other than serious violation. The case is still currently open. Inspection: 1055463.015 - Nebraska Railcar Cleaning Services, Llc |
~ 5/3/1984 - 9/12/2008 ~
|
Travis Lee Lunn, 24
Travis was killed in September 2008 while working for John Prouty Construction Co. in (O'Neil) Verdel, Nebraska. He died when a trench collapsed,
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $201,600.00 penalty for three willful violations and two serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $105,000.00 with four serious violations and one willful violation. Inspection: 311463483 - John Prouty Construction, Inc. |
~ 9/18/1986 – 6/28/2018 ~
|
Justin Mason, 31
Justin was killed in June 2018 while working at Omaha Fish & Wildlife Club in Platte, Nebraska. He died when electricity arced into and down through the boom truck he was operating and into him.
This incident was out of OSHA's jurisdiction. |
~ 5/9/2014 ~
|
Llewellyn Mattern, 67
Llewellyn was killed in May 2014 while working for Pathfinder Irrigation District in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He died after falling approximately 11 feet down into a controlled burn in the ditch.
This is not in OSHA's jurisdiction. |
~ 8/20/57 - 10/9/2014 ~
|
Chris Mejstrik, 57
Chris was killed on the job in October, 2014 while working for Northeast Nebraska Automation, Inc. in Thurston, Nebraska. Chris died after he was struck and killed by a load that fell from a crane.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $7,600 penalty for two serious and one other than serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $3,000. This case is closed. Inspection: 1000180.015 - Northeast Nebraska Automation, Inc. |
~ 9/19/1985 – 05/20/2015 ~
|
Detective Kerrie Orozco, 29
Detective Orozco was killed in May 2015 while working for the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force in Omaha, NE. She was shot and killed as she and other members of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a warrant.
This is out of OSHA's jurisdiction. |
~ 3/18/1973 - 9/22/2008 ~
|
David Peterson, 35David was killed in September 2008 while working for John Prouty Construction Co. in (O'Neil) Verdel, Nebraska. He died when a trench collapsed.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $201,600.00 penalty for three willful violations and two serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $105,000.00 with four serious violations and one willful violation. Inspection: 311463483 - John Prouty Construction, Inc. |
~ 4/24/1986 - 8/21/2009 ~
|
Korey Schall, 23Korey was killed in 2009 while working at Crane and Grain Services in York, Nebraska. He died assembling a grain bin when his ladder touched an improperly wired cord.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $9,300.00 penalty for and six serious violations. In and informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,000.00 for three serious violations. Inspection: 311467922 - Crane And Grain Service |
~ 02-02-1970-01-08-2020 ~
|
Paul E. SligerPaul was killed on the job in January 2020 while working for Frontier Cooperative in Burr, Nebraska. It is believed that Paul was fatally injured after a piece of a steel wheel struck him as a tire exploded.
Federal OSHA is currently investigated the incident. Inspection: 1454896.015 - Frontier Cooperative |
~ 9/2/1954 -3/21/2016 ~
|
Jim Spencer, 61
Jim was killed while working for Larry Kessler Construction LLC in Alliance, Nebraska.
He died after a trench collapse. Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $21,000 penalty for three serious violations to Larry Kessler Construction LLC. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $16,800. Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $31,000 pentaly for five serious violations to Clau-Chin Construction, Inc. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $24,800. Inspection: 1134953.015 - Larry Kessler Construction and Inspection: 1134124.015 - Clau-Chin Construction, Inc. |
~ 8/26/1941 - 6/19/2009 ~
|
Donald G. Stodola, 67
Donald was killed on the job in June 2009 while working for Farmers Cooperative Elevator in Stanton, NE. Stodola was working in a confined space without the proper ventilation and lack of oxygen in the space caused Stodola’s death.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $507,000.00 penalty for nine serious violations and $70,000.00 one willful violation. In addition to the OSHA fine, the company pled guilty to violation of a criminal statute and was fined $100,000 and placed on probation for 2 years. The penalties and citations were not ruduced. Inspection: 311467351 - Farmers Union Coop Supply Company Of Stanton |
~ 12/14/1974 - 3/16/2016 ~
|
Jason Weston, 41
Jason was killed in March 2016 while working for CPI in Hayland, Nebraska. The incident is still under investigation but it is believed that he died due to asphyxiation caused by the safety harness.
Federal OSHA is currently investigating the incident. Inspection: 1133334.015 - Cooperative Producers, Inc. - Hayland |
~ 5/2/1960 - 1/30/2010 ~
|
Tim Wilson, 49Tim was killed in January 2010 while working for Cargill Meat Solutions (Excel Specialty Products) in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He died when a hydraulic lift tipped and he fell 20 ft.
Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed $9,500.00 penalty. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $7,000.00. Inspection: 314053406 - Cargill Meat Solutions. |