Jose Melena, man cooked to death in Tuna factory after falling into oven
The family of a 62-year-old employee of Bumble Bee Foods wants people to remember how hard he worked to support his family and the pride he took in his lawn, and not the tragic and horrible way that he died on the job.
Jose Melena was cooked to death inside a steam oven last Thursday. It is still unclear how the accident happened at the Bumble Bee plant in Santa Fe Springs.
The incident took place last Thursday morning, with coworkers calling 911 after finding the 6-year employee dead in the steamer machine.
“He was just grateful he had a job,” said Antonio, the man’s son, “that he could pay his bills and provide food for his family.”
“It’s hard to believe what’s going on. And what’s happening. It’s just been really tough.”
Bumble Bee, meanwhile, released this statement: “The entire Bumble Bee Foods family is saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Melena family.”
After an investigation, the plant reopened Monday.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health will release the results of that investigation in about six months.