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ST. EDWARDS — OSHA has opened an investigation into the death of a 17-year-old at a farm unit owned by Pillen Family Farms that occurred on April 1.
Scott Allen, U.S. Department of Labor Regional Director for Public Affairs and Media Relations, said, “OSHA has opened an investigation with Beaver Valley Pork. No further information will be available until OSHA has completed their investigation, which by law, they have six months to complete.”
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, at 11:30 a.m., they received an emergency call regarding an unresponsive 17-year-old juvenile at a hog unit located at the Beaver Valley Pork Company, 3682 300th Ave., in rural St. Edwards.
The Beaver Valley Pork Company is owned by Pillen Family Farms, owned in part by Gov. Jim Pillen.
Sarah Pillen, the co-chief executive of Pillen Family Farms, identified the 17-year-old as Zach Panther.
The Boone County Sheriff said an autopsy was requested by the county attorney; foul play is not suspected per the initial investigation.
“The loss of Zach Panther has left us profoundly saddened. Though his employment with our Team was very brief, he positively impacted those he worked with. Nebraska State Patrol and Boone County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating what happened and the cause of his death remains unknown,” Sarah Pillen wrote.
“We deeply mourn Zach’s passing and extend our prayers to his loved ones during this very difficult time,” Sarah Pillen concluded.
According to an obituary from the Miller-Levander Funeral Home in St. Edwards, Panther was a native of Kaitaia, New Zealand.
“Zach’s early life was full of family and traveling, food and adventures, taking him from New Zealand, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to California, then to Ekalaka, Montana, and more,” the obituary stated.
Funeral services for Panther were held on April 6 at the St. Edward Catholic Church, St. Edward with Deacon Harlan Long officiating.