Forklift operator dies at Florida distribution center

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A worker at a Chewy Distribution Center in Ocala, Fla. on Sunday, December 16th has died of injuries when the forklift accident. Investigators believe the forklift killed him.

Ocala police have reported that 49 year old Robert A. Pete was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.  Witnesses say Pete was unresponsive and pinned between the forklift and a shelf beam.  A co-worker was able to free him and begin CPR until the first responders arrived at the scene.

Chewy released a statement about the incident on Monday afternoon: “We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of our team member, Robert Pete. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. We are currently conducting a full investigation and working closely with local authorities and our on-site teams to determine the cause and nature of the incident.”

Police say they do not suspect foul play but after initial interviews Pete may have had a heart attack.  OSHA is investigating.

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