Warehouse worker crushed in compactor

COLUMBUS (AP) — A warehouse worker was crushed to death in an industrial trash compactor, authorities said.

Police said co-workers heard Gilberto Graza shouting, but no one witnessed Tuesday’s accident.

It was unclear how Graza, 37, got into the machine, used on an outdoor loading dock to pound down cardboard going into a large recycling container.

Graza was pronounced dead a short time after medics arrived at the distribution warehouse operated by Sears Logistics Services, part of retailer Sears Holdings Corp.

Police closed their investigation, satisfied the death was accidental, police spokeswoman Amanda Ford said Wednesday.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is interviewing warehouse managers and employees in hopes of determining how it occurred, said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA area director.

Sears said it was not able to comment on the investigation.

“It was an unfortunate incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with associate’s family,” said Kim Freely, a company spokeswoman.