Pasco welder dies on the job in Walla Walla County
Autopsy results are pending for a Pasco man who died after he was found not breathing at his job at a J.R. Simplot site in western Walla Walla County.
David Jr. Contreras, 27, known as “Turtle” to his friends, was born and raised in Pasco. He was a welder.
A spokeswoman for the Walla Walla County Coroner said the office is awaiting toxicology results, which will not be available for about a month.
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries confirmed Contreras was found at his work station Feb. 1. The agency does not plan to inspect the site, saying Contreras’ s death was not related to a workplace safety or health issue.
His sister, Gemma Contreras, posted on social media that his family did not know what happened and hoped to learn more from the autopsy results.
Gemma Contreras set up a GoFundMe account to help with expenses.
Hillcrest Bruce Lee Memorial Center in Pasco is handling the arrangements.
This story was originally published February 6, 2019 at 6:32 PM.