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Investigators are looking into what kind of gases may have
played a role in the deaths Wednesday at Prospect Valley Dairy
in Keenesburg, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) northeast of
Denver. Crews recovered the bodies in a confined space at the
dairy, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District said.
“We are investigating these deaths as the possible consequence
of gas exposure in a confined space,” said Jolene Weiner, chief
deputy coroner for Weld County.
The identities of those who died, all Hispanic males, were being
withheld pending notification of the families, Weiner said. A
local school district said a high school student was among those
who died.
Weld County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Melissa Chesmore said
her agency didn't find anything indicating a crime took place.
“It looks like an accident,” she said, declining to elaborate or
say where exactly the bodies were found, referring questions to
occupational safety regulators.
Chauntra Rideaux, a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson, said
in an email that the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration was investigating. The farm is a member of the
Dairy Farmers of America, the group said.
"We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and
most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of
the deceased. At this early stage, we have no further details,”
the farmer-owned cooperative said in a statement.
County tax records say the property is owned by Prospect Valley
Dairy LLC and list a Bakersfield, California, address for the
owners. Phone messages left for a number at the California
address were not immediately returned.
Weld County is a major agricultural producer. Three-quarters of
its land is devoted to farming and raising livestock. It's
Colorado's leading dairy producer and the state's biggest source
of beef cattle, grain and sugar beets.
Census data from 2020 shows 30% of the county was Hispanic or
Latino, compared to 22% for the state overall.
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Lee reported from Santa Fe, New Mexico and McAvoy reported from
Honolulu. Associated Press Writer Corey Williams contributed
from Detroit.
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