A workplace accident turned into a devastating tragedy after a 57-year-old father became trapped inside an industrial chemical mixer for hours at a facility in Arizona.
Jose Fernando Partida was working at Gowan Milling LLC in Yuma, Arizona, on January 4 when the horrifying incident unfolded. According to reports, Partida was inside a chemical mixer cleaning it when the machine unexpectedly turned on.
Another employee had also entered the mixer but managed to escape. Partida, however, was not able to get out.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the accident was reported. Firefighters immediately shut off the power, but the rescue effort proved complicated. It took roughly five hours for first responders and a hazmat team to safely remove Partida from the massive machine.
He was rushed to the hospital with extensive injuries, including broken ribs, a broken leg, a broken arm, and severe bruising across his body. Despite medical treatment, Partida died on January 10, days after the accident.
“When they called me that he had an accident, I thought it was like a small accident,” his son Omar told Arizona Family. “The sad thing is the time that he was there and that he was begging for help.”
Omar said the length of time his father remained trapped has been especially painful for the family to process.
“I was imagining all the pain that he was passed through,” he said. “Just to be there for five hours and hold all the pain. I don’t think my dad deserved all that.”
Gowan Milling LLC released a statement saying it activated emergency protocols immediately after learning of the incident and contacted first responders. The company said it is cooperating with authorities and conducting its own internal investigation.
Local officials confirmed the case remains under investigation. The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and the Industrial Commission of Arizona are reviewing what led to the incident, a process that could take several months.
Omar described his father as a deeply caring and dependable presence in his family’s life.
“He was always trying to help,” he said. “Anything that we had problems with, he was there. Now that he’s not here, it’s just me, my sister, and him… and now he’s gone.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover medical and funeral expenses. The fundraiser describes Partida as a joyful man who loved music, dancing, soccer, and most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife, Lupe, and his children, Omar and Allison.
Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation continues.
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