THE shocking deaths of six people on a Colorado dairy farm has devastated the local community.
Emergency crews rushed to the farm last week only to find six workers — including four members of the same family — dead from a possible toxic gas accident, police say.
Residents are attempting to raise money to support the family after the deaths[/caption]
One of the victims was just 17 years old[/caption]
Alejandro Espinoza Cruz, 50, alongside his two sons, 17-year-old Oscar Espinoza Leos and 29-year-old Carlos Espinoza Prado, were among the victims.
Jorge Sanchez Pena, 36, was also found dead, related to the family by marriage.
Police identified the other two victims as Ricardo Gomez Galvan, 40, and Noe Montanez Casanas, 32.
Dairy farm deaths
On Wednesday evening, fire departments were called for a confined-space rescue. Upon arrival, the six bodies were found.
Jolene Weiner, chief deputy coroner for Weld County, said that they were investigating the deaths as a “possible consequence of gas exposure in a confined space,” according to the The Associated Press.
One of the workers may have accidentally released toxic gas from an underground manure pit at the farm, sources told ABC affiliate KMGH-TV.
Others attempted to save him after he immediately passed out from exposure to hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas released from decomposing animal manure, the outlet said.
The sources said that the victims were “knowingly risking their lives to save a friend or relative but with a tragic result.”
Officials believe that there was no criminal intent.
Their deaths are now under investigation by the local sheriff’s office and the federal agency OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Community support
The farm, located in Keenesburg, was around 35 miles from Denver.
Keenesburg is a small town made up mostly of farm, oil, and gas workers, with a population of just over 2,000 in 2024.
Mayor Aron Lam told the New York Times that Keenesburg is a “close-knit community,” made up of “mostly just farm fields.”
Hydrogen sulfide dangers
An initial report detailed that hydrogen sulfide gas may have been accidentally released at the Colorado dairy farm. According to OSHA:
- The gas is highly flammable and toxic
- Occurs naturally in sewers, manure pits, oil and gas wells
- The gas in confined spaces can be dangerous for workers
- It can overtake workers fast
One salon in the town, Slay’d by T.J., hosted a fundraiser on Sunday to help the victims’ families.
The manager, Yulissa Orquiz, said that the youngest victim, Oscar, was like a brother to her.
“He was my brother’s best friend, and so it just hits really close to home for us to help out and try and relieve as much financial stress as we can from his mom,” she told KMGH-TV.
“She lost her husband and her son, so it’s just really hard.”
The salon was giving out haircuts this weekend in hopes to get donations for the families devastated by the dairy farm deaths.
“I just want to make sure that Oscar’s mom knows that she has a whole community behind her and that we’re willing to help,” Orquiz told the outlet.
“Not just with those victims, but all the victims.”
Next weekend, the town is hosting a car wash and benefit dance to raise money for the victims’ families.
Several donation jars were set around in local businesses, and a GoFundMe was also made to help the Espinozas.
Over $46,000 was raised as of Monday morning, almost reaching their $55,000 goal.
In a Facebook post after the haircut fundraiser, Orquiz said that the day “raised a significant amount to help these families out.”
“This community has definitely showed up for these families today.”
Another GoFundMe was made for Carlos, with almost $3,800 raised.
The bodies were found Wednesday evening[/caption]
