DESHLER, NE. (THECOUNT) — Trenton Fuentez has been identified as the employee killed Wednesday afternoon in a workplace accident at Reinke Manufacturing facility in Deshler, Nebraska, according to authorities.
Fuentez was 35.
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Deputies, along with Deshler Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to 1040 Road 5300 in Deshler at approximately 1:45 p.m. following reports of an industrial accident involving an employee.
Investigators say Fuentez was working in a section of the facility that stores bundled pipes when several large pipes came loose from a hoisted bundle. The pipes fell from above, striking Fuentez while he was positioned underneath the load.
Emergency responders arrived on scene and attempted to render aid; however, Fuentez had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the location.
Officials confirmed the incident has been ruled an accident. No additional injuries were reported in connection with the event, and no foul play is suspected at this time.
Reinke Manufacturing President Chris Roth issued a statement following the incident, expressing condolences to those affected.
“We are deeply saddened by this accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, co-workers, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” Roth said. “We appreciate the efforts of emergency responders who did all they could to help. Safety has always been a top priority for us, and we are taking this situation very seriously. We have made grief counseling available to all those impacted by this tragic accident.”
Thayer County Sheriff David Lee also extended condolences in an official statement, acknowledging both the victim’s family and those impacted at the facility. Authorities additionally noted that grief counselors are being made available to employees and others affected by the incident.
Deshler is a small community located in Thayer County near the Nebraska-Kansas border. The area is part of a largely rural region where manufacturing and agriculture play key roles in the local economy. Reinke Manufacturing is known for producing irrigation systems and related agricultural equipment, serving customers both regionally and nationally.
The Thayer County Sheriff’s Office continues to review the circumstances surrounding the accident. Workplace safety protocols and equipment handling procedures may be part of the ongoing evaluation, though officials have not released further details regarding the internal review process.
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation remains active.
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