Death Investigation Underway at Gilster-Mary Lee Cereal Plant in Perryville

Perryville, Mo. (KFMO) - A death investigation is underway following a fatal workplace incident at the Gilster-Mary Lee Cereal Plant in Perryville on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Perryville Police Department, officers were dispatched to the facility shortly after 3 p.m. on June 26 after receiving reports that a man had become trapped inside an industrial oven. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the individual had already died by the time aid could be rendered.

Investigators with the Perryville Police Department and the Perry County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as 38-year-old Nicolas Lopez Gomez of Guatemala. Authorities say he had been working at the plant under the alias “Edward Avila.”

Perry County Coroner Meghan Ellis confirmed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened an investigation into the incident.

No further details have been released as the investigation continues.