Death Investigation Underway After Worker Dies in Industrial Oven at Missouri Cereal Plant

PERRYVILLE, Mo.  – A tragic workplace incident is under investigation in Perryville, Missouri, after a man was found dead inside an industrial oven at the Gilster-Mary Lee Cereal Plant on Thursday afternoon, June 26, 2025.

Authorities with the Perryville Police Department confirmed that they received a distressing report stating a worker had become trapped inside the industrial oven. Emergency crews were dispatched to the plant, located in Perry County, but by the time they arrived, the man was already deceased.

The Perry County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 38-year-old Nicolas Lopez Gomez, a native of Guatemala. Authorities also confirmed that Gomez had been working under an assumed identity, using the alias Edward Avila.

The Scene and Response

According to police, the initial emergency call painted a dire picture. Fellow workers reportedly noticed Gomez was missing during a routine check and raised the alarm when they realized he may have been inside the oven. It remains unclear how long he had been in the machine before rescue teams arrived.

Upon arrival, first responders were unable to save the victim. The industrial oven, typically used in large-scale cereal production, was shut down as police and plant officials began to assess what went wrong.

Investigation Underway

The Missouri Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has joined the investigation, alongside local police and fire departments. A formal inquiry into safety protocols, equipment function, and employee training procedures is currently ongoing.

Authorities have not yet released information on how the incident occurred or whether it was the result of mechanical failure, human error, or violations of safety standards.

“This is a deeply unfortunate event, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the victim,” said a Perryville police spokesperson. “We are working closely with all relevant agencies to determine how such a tragedy could have taken place.”

Identity Questions and Labor Concerns

The revelation that Nicolas Lopez Gomez was working under a false name has raised additional concerns, particularly regarding employment practices, immigration status, and potential labor violations.

Advocates for migrant workers say this tragedy highlights deeper issues related to workplace safety for undocumented laborers. Many such individuals may be reluctant to report unsafe conditions due to fear of deportation or job loss, which can create dangerous situations in industrial settings.

“Too often, immigrant workers are placed in the most hazardous jobs with minimal training or protection,” said one labor rights advocate. “This death is not just a freak accident—it is a symptom of a much bigger problem in how we protect the people who power our economy.”

Remembering Nicolas Lopez Gomez

Friends and coworkers describe Gomez as a quiet, hardworking man who often took on long shifts without complaint. Though he lived under an alias, those who knew him say he was striving for a better life, working to send money home to his family in Guatemala.

“He was just trying to take care of his loved ones,” said a coworker who asked to remain anonymous. “Nobody deserves to die like that. He should have been safe.”

Next Steps

The Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation, a food manufacturing company headquartered in Chester, Illinois, has not yet released an official statement on the incident but is expected to cooperate fully with investigators. The plant remains partially closed as the investigation continues.

Authorities are urging anyone with direct knowledge of the events leading up to the incident or of working conditions within the plant to come forward. Confidential reports can be made to Perryville Police or OSHA directly.

As the investigation moves forward, the Perryville community mourns a preventable loss — one that may yet lead to calls for sweeping changes in workplace oversight and accountability.