Teen tragically dies after being sucked into meat grinder at frozen burrito factory
Topics: News, US News, Food and Drink, California
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: Google Maps
Topics: News, US News, Food and Drink, California
A teenager had died after falling into a food processor at a frozen burrito factory.
On Sunday evening (July 13), a 19-year-old employee of Tina's Burritos, a well-known brand of frozen burritos, was cleaning a meat grinder when the machine suddenly turned on at the California-based factory.
The teenager was ultimately sucked into the machine. He called for help, but his colleagues were sadly unable to save him and the young man lost his life in the tragic ordeal that occurred around 9:30pm.
Vernon Police Department were called to the scene, but the teenager was already deceased by the time they arrived.
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Sgt Daniel Onopa has expressed his condolences to the factory worker's family, saying in a statement: "Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and coworkers affected by this tragedy."
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health and the District Attorney’s Office are said to be working together to investigate the incident. The two agencies are believed to have visited the site yesterday (July 14).
At the time of writing, police have expressed their belief that the teenager's passing wasn't a result of foul play, and may have reacted online to the sad news of the 19-year-old's death.
"Surely these machines need to be unplugged before it gets cleaned? What a horrible way to go," someone said.
"Tina's Burritos will never be the same. Getting caught in a food mixer is a pretty terrible way to go," echoed a different person on Facebook.
Another person wrote, as per NDTV: "Oh my god, this poor man and his family, plus his fellow workers who must be traumatised. This is unspeakably horrific."
"What a horrendous way to die. Poor kid," somebody else said of the heartbreaking news.
Tina's Burritos has since issued the following statement: "We are heartbroken to confirm that a sanitation worker lost his life on Sunday night, July 13, 2025, while performing sanitation duties at our Vernon facility.
"He was cleaning an empty kettle that was being sanitized and prepped for the next day’s production run. Despite the immediate response of coworkers and emergency personnel, he tragically passed away at the scene.
"Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and worked alongside him. This is a devastating loss for everyone at Tina’s. We are cooperating fully with local authorities and Cal/OSHA in the ongoing investigation, and our focus remains on honoring his life, supporting those who are grieving, and maintaining the highest safety standards in our facility."
Tragically, this isn't the first time someone has lost their life after falling into a meat processor.
In 2023, a female employee at United Premium Foods (UPF) in New Jersey died after falling into an operating machine. UPF makes a wide range of food and fresh premium pet food.
Per the company's website, it uses different types of equipment including a 'grinder, high-capacity blender and bowl chopper'.
Addressing the tragic loss at the time of the incident, CEO of UPF Ken Mayer said: "We are devastated by the loss of our longtime employee, who was a beloved member of our company. Our deepest condolences go out to her daughter at this difficult time."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].