Tragedy Strikes at Frozen Burrito Factory: 19-Year-Old Worker Dies After Being Pulled Into Meat Grinder
A heartbreaking accident unfolded at Tina’s Burritos, a popular frozen burrito brand, when a 19-year-old employee lost his life while performing routine cleaning.
On the evening of Sunday, July 13, the young worker was cleaning a meat grinder at the California-based factory when the machine unexpectedly powered on. The teen was tragically pulled into the food processor and cried out for help, but despite the efforts of his coworkers, he could not be saved.
Emergency responders from the Vernon Police Department arrived promptly but found the young man had already passed away at the scene around 9:30 p.m.
Sgt. Daniel Onopa offered his sympathies, stating, “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and coworkers affected by this tragedy.”
The factory and community mourn the devastating loss of the young employee whose name has not been released.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, along with the District Attorney’s Office, have launched a joint investigation into the tragic incident. Both agencies reportedly visited the Tina’s Burritos factory on July 14 as part of their inquiry.
Police have so far ruled out foul play in the teen’s death, but the devastating news has sparked an outpouring of grief and shock online.
“Surely these machines should be unplugged before cleaning? What a horrible way to go,” one commenter wrote.
“Tina’s Burritos will never be the same. Getting caught in a food mixer is just awful,” shared another on Facebook.
A third expressed sympathy via NDTV: “Oh my god, this poor man and his family, plus his coworkers who must be traumatized. This is unspeakably horrific.”
Another simply said, “What a horrendous way to die. Poor kid.”
In response, Tina’s Burritos released a heartfelt statement:
“We are heartbroken to confirm that a sanitation worker lost his life on Sunday night, July 13, 2025, while performing sanitation duties at our Vernon facility.”
“He was cleaning an empty kettle that was being sanitized and prepared for the next day’s production,” Tina’s Burritos confirmed. “Despite the immediate response from coworkers and emergency personnel, he tragically passed away at the scene.”
“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who worked alongside him. This is a devastating loss for everyone at Tina’s. We are cooperating fully with local authorities and Cal/OSHA in their ongoing investigation. Our focus remains on honoring his life, supporting those grieving, and upholding the highest safety standards at our facility.”
Sadly, this heartbreaking incident is not isolated. In 2023, a female employee at United Premium Foods (UPF) in New Jersey lost her life after falling into an operating meat processor. UPF produces a variety of food products, including fresh premium pet food, utilizing equipment such as grinders, high-capacity blenders, and bowl choppers.
Following that tragedy, UPF CEO Ken Mayer expressed: “We are devastated by the loss of our longtime employee, who was a beloved member of our company. Our deepest condolences go out to her daughter during this difficult time.”