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Tri-Cities man ID’d as worker killed in Tyson meat plant accident

The Tyson Foods meat processing plant is at 13982 Dodd Rd., about 10 miles southeast of Pasco, in Wallula.
The Tyson Foods meat processing plant is at 13982 Dodd Rd., about 10 miles southeast of Pasco, in Wallula. bbrawdy@tricityherald.com

A 27-year-old Kennewick man has been identified as the worker killed in an industrial accident at Tyson Fresh Meats on Friday.

The Walla Walla County Coroner’s office said Alberto Serrato, 27, died at the Wallula beef processing plant south of the Tri-Cities.

An autopsy was conducted Monday. The cause and manner of death have not been released pending completion of the autopsy and toxicology reports.

Tyson previously said it was working with local authorities and has notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the fatal incident.

“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,” Tyson said in a statement.

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries also was notified about the accident.

Tyson Foods’ beef processing plant is near Wallula, south of the Tri-Cities.
Tyson Foods’ beef processing plant is near Wallula, south of the Tri-Cities. File Tri-City Herald

Emergency responders were called to the Tyson plant, 13983 Dodd Road, at 6:40 a.m. May 15.

The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office, Walla Walla County Fire District 5 and coroner responded.

Tyson is a national food processing operator.

The Wallula plant is about 10 minutes southeast of Pasco and consists of a feedlot, slaughterhouse and meat processing operation. It processes beef.

Tyson is the second-largest employer in Walla Walla County with many employees commuting from the Tri-Cities.

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Wendy Culverwell
Tri-City Herald
Reporter Wendy Culverwell writes about growth, development and business for the Tri-City Herald. She has worked for daily and weekly publications in Washington and Oregon. She earned a degree in English and economics from the University of Puget Sound. Support my work with a digital subscription
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