Six individuals lost their lives on Wednesday evening at a dairy farm in Weld County, Colorado, due to a suspected gas exposure incident in a confined space. The Southeast Weld Fire Protection District responded to an emergency call around 6 p.m. on August 20, 2025.
Fire Chief Tom Beach reported that rescue crews took necessary precautions to enter the confined area where they found six deceased individuals. The event took place at Prospect Valley Dairy, located at 32063 Weld County Road 18, Keenesburg, Colorado, approximately 40 miles northeast of Denver.
The Weld County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased on Friday evening as Oscar Espinoza Leos, 17, from Nunn, Colorado; Carlos Espinoza Prado, 29, from Evans, Colorado; Noé Montanez Casanas, 32, from Keenesburg, Colorado; Jorge Sanchez Pena, 36, from Greeley, Colorado; Ricardo Gomez Galvan, 40, from Keenesburg, Colorado; and Alejandro Espinoza Cruz, 50, from Nunn, Colorado. All were Hispanic males between 17 and 50 years old.
Chief Deputy Coroner Jolene Weiner confirmed that initial findings suggested gas exposure, with first responders’ radio communications reporting that five individuals were exposed to potentially high levels of hydrogen sulfide. Radio communications also mentioned a burst pipe. Autopsies were completed by Friday evening, but further tests are required to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
According to workers’ advocates and family-led fundraising initiatives, four of the victims belonged to the same extended family. Alejandro Espinoza was the father of Oscar Espinoza, who attended Highland High School in Ault, Colorado.
Ana Schultz from Project Protect Food Systems Workers noted that four family members were involved in machinery repair at various local dairies. Tomi Rodriguez, a colleague, described the family as hardworking and humble. The remaining two victims were residents of the dairy farm’s employer-provided housing.
The Weld RE-9 School District confirmed that one of the victims was a student at Highland High School. District officials expressed that the tragedy had a profound impact on the school and community, offering condolences to the student’s family and friends. Counseling and support services are available for students and staff.
Three other individuals involved in the incident survived after receiving medical treatment at UCHealth hospital in Greeley, Colorado. They have since been released. Details of their involvement remain undisclosed by authorities.
Melissa Chesmore, spokeswoman for the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, stated that by Friday morning, their investigation had found no criminal activity. The office continues to investigate whether any criminal acts preceded the fatalities.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a federal investigation into the incident, expected to take up to six months. OSHA officials will not release information until the conclusion of the investigation and have expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
Hydrogen sulfide is naturally present in crude petroleum and natural gas, and it is also produced by the decomposition of manure. While low concentrations can irritate eyes and respiratory systems, large amounts in confined spaces can be fatal.
Prospect Valley Dairy is owned by Prospect Valley Dairy LLC, with tax records listing the owners’ address in Bakersfield, California. The facility features a 32,500-square-foot milking parlor, a 450,000-square-foot free stall barn built in 2017, and another 100,000-square-foot barn constructed in 2024.
Dairy Farmers of America confirmed the incident occurred at one of its member farms, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to the victims’ families and friends. They had no additional details at this early stage of the investigation.
Family members and coworkers have initiated GoFundMe campaigns to cover funeral expenses. Juan Mendez of Greeley, Colorado, organized one campaign, as his father and three relatives of his sister-in-law were among the victims. A separate fundraiser was set up for Noé Montanez Casanas by a friend and coworker.
