A federal agency is investigating the death of a H-E-B warehouse employee who died after showing signs of distress while working on October 24. The employee allegedly sustained an injury from possibly a forklift, according to the San Antonio Police Department.
Public records show the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opened an investigation on the day of the incident, which occurred at the H-E-B Distribution Center on 4710 N Pan Am Expressway near Rittiman Road. The case remains open as of Sunday, November 16. OSHA is a U.S. government agency that establishes and enforces workplace safety and health standards. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the cause and manner of death of Teresa Dominguez, 27. Dominguez died from blunt trauma of the left lower extremity, which means injury to the left hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, or foot caused by a direct, forceful impact, according to the medical examiner. The manner of death has been ruled accidental.
SAPD stated Dominguez was found unconscious inside a freezer after possibly working on a forklift. The department, however, also noted that it is unclear and unconfirmed what caused the injuries she sustained.
H-E-B has said the reports of the employee found unconscious in a freezer and sustained injuries caused by a forklift are not accurate. H-E-B has said Dominguez was operating her forklift when she came to a stop, and another employee noticed she was showing signs of distress. Emergency crews were called to the warehouse and transported Dominguez to a nearby hospital. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to H-E-B.
The San Antonio-based grocery giant has released the following statement on the matter:
“One of our warehouse Partners was transported to the hospital after showing signs of distress. She later passed away at the hospital. We continue to work closely with officials regarding the situation. Our H-E-B Family is heartbroken, and we are providing support to and are in contact with the family during this difficult time. We are also staying close to our Partners.”
SAPD said the incident is still an active investigation, with information subject to change.