- Jose Fernando Partida, 57, was trapped inside an industrial chemical mixer at Gowan Milling on January 4 when it suddenly powered on.
- Plant staff cut power immediately, but rescuers and a hazmat team spent five hours extricating him from the chemically hazardous machinery.
- Partida remained conscious and begged for help, suffered multiple fractures including broken ribs and limbs, and died in hospital on January 10.
- Gowan Milling said it is cooperating with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office while investigators probe the safety failure, a process that could take five months.
YUMA, ARIZONA — A gruesome workplace accident has claimed the life of a devoted father. Jose Fernando Partida, 57, died one week after becoming trapped inside an industrial chemical mixer at Gowan Milling.
Accidental Activation
The tragedy unfolded on January 4. Partida was cleaning the interior of the machine when it suddenly powered on. A co-worker managed to escape the mixer in time, but Partida was pinned inside.
Plant staff cut the power immediately, but the rescue operation proved difficult. First responders spent five hours working to extricate him. A hazmat team assisted the rescue due to the presence of dangerous chemicals.
"Begging for Help"
Partida’s son, Omar, revealed that his father remained conscious throughout the ordeal. "The sad thing is the time that he was there and that he was begging for help," Omar told reporters.
Partida suffered multiple fractures, including broken ribs and limbs. He fought for his life in the hospital for a week before passing away on January 10.
Investigation Launched
Omar remembered his father as a supportive man who loved American football. "I don’t think my dad deserved all that," he said.
Gowan Milling expressed "deep sadness" in a statement. The company confirmed they are cooperating with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say the probe into the safety failure could take up to five months.
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