EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — An employee at a northern Iowa pork production plant died early this (Friday) morning. Officials with Prestage Foods of Iowa, in Eagle Grove, said a mechanic, 57-year old Jeffrey Leonardini died while he was performing routine maintenance duties during the third shift. The man had been with Prestage Foods of Iowa since March of 2019, when the plant opened.

Plant officials say the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified, and that the company is working in full cooperation with OSHA Iowa. An internal investigation is also underway. Prestage Foods is providing support to its employees, through their Assistance Program.

In February, an employee was killed in a stabbing at the plant. DCI officials said that 50-year-old Wayne Smith, of Fort Dodge, died in that incident. Lukouxs Brown, of Fort Dodge, is charged with first-degree murder in the case.