Tyson Foods worker dies in meat plant accident near Tri-Cities
A meat plant worker died Friday morning at the Tyson Fresh Meats processing plant at Wallula Gap, about 10 miles southeast of Pasco.
The Walla Walla County coroner confirmed a 27-year-old man died after suffering a severe injury.
His name is being withheld pending notification of his relatives.
An autopsy will be performed Monday as part of the death investigation by Walla Walla County officials. No other details were released about the incident.
Tyson said it is working with authorities and has notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our team members following an incident at our Pasco facility. Our thoughts are with the family and our team members,” a spokesperson said.
Emergency responders, including medics with Walla Walla County Fire District 5, were called to Tyson Foods at 6:40 a.m. and remained at the plant for more than two hours, according to dispatch reports.
The processing plant is on Dodd Road, north of Highway 12.
The plant complex includes stockyards, beef slaughterhouse and meat processing operation.
Tyson Foods is Walla Walla County’s second-largest employer with nearly 1,500 workers.
This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 2:59 PM.