A 57-year-old man has died following a horrific industrial accident at a manufacturing plant in Arizona, after being trapped inside a chemical mixer for more than five hours.
A Tragic Workplace Incident
Jose Fernando Partida was cleaning the interior of a large chemical mixer at the Gowan Milling LLC facility in Yuma on 4 January 2026 when the machinery was accidentally activated. According to statements from his son Omar to local media, a co-worker had entered the mixer to assist with the cleaning task when the device turned on.
While the colleague managed to escape, Partida was not as fortunate. Workers at the scene acted quickly to shut off the power to the machine, as confirmed by Rural Metro Fire officials. However, the subsequent rescue mission was exceptionally complex, requiring emergency crews to wear hazardous materials equipment due to the risk of chemical exposure.
A Prolonged and Painful Rescue
The operation to free Partida from the industrial mixer lasted for over five hours. His son Omar described the anguish of knowing his father was conscious and pleading for help during that protracted ordeal. "I was imagining all the pain that he was passed through and all that stuff," Omar told AZFamily. "I imagine it’s just to be there for five hours and hold all the pain. I don’t think my dad deserved all that."
Initially, Omar believed the call about an accident at his father's workplace referred to a minor incident. He was devastated to learn the reality: his father was trapped inside a piece of heavy equipment.
After being freed, Partida was hospitalised with severe injuries. He remained unconscious for much of the following week, suffering from broken ribs, a broken leg, and extensive bruising across his body. He succumbed to his injuries on 10 January 2026.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Yuma County Sheriff's Office and the Industrial Commission of Arizona have opened an investigation into the fatal workplace accident. Reports suggest the inquiry could take up to five months to complete.
In a statement issued to the press, Gowan Milling LLC expressed its sorrow: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our employee, and our thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to his family at this time. The safety of our employees is our first priority, and we are conducting an investigation into this incident." The company stated it had enacted emergency protocols immediately and is cooperating with authorities.
Partida is remembered by his family as a joyful and loving man devoted to his wife Lupe and his two children, Omar and Allison. "He always was trying to help us," Omar said, highlighting his father's constant support and love for football and soccer.
To assist with medical and funeral expenses, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, which had raised over $5,000 towards a $10,000 goal at the time of reporting.
