A Reinke Manufacturing employee died Wednesday after being injured in a workplace accident at the company’s facility in Deshler, authorities said.
The Thayer County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched around 1:45 p.m. April 8 to Reinke Manufacturing, 1040 Road 5300, along with Deshler Fire and Rescue, for a reported medical emergency.
According to the sheriff’s office, responders were directed to an area of the facility where large bundles of pipe were stored. A 35-year-old Reinke employee, identified as Trenton Fuentez of Deshler, was found beneath several large pipes that had apparently come loose from an elevated bundle.
Fuentez was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a news release, the incident remains under investigation. Deshler Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.
Reinke produces center pivot irrigation systems.
In a statement, Reinke Manufacturing President Chris Roth said the company is cooperating and providing support to employees.
“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. “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.”
