A heartbreaking workplace accident in Dallas has claimed the life of Angel Anthony Rojas, a 24-year-old funeral home worker at Restland Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematory. On October 20, Rojas was pinned from the waist down when a heavy concrete burial vault toppled onto him, killing him later that day at a hospital.
While trapped under the vault, Rojas used his cellphone to call for help. His second call was to his wife, but he was unable to reach her — instead leaving a voicemail telling her he loved her and that he wanted to go home.
First responders labored for more than 45 minutes using hydraulic spreaders and airbags, tools commonly deployed in vehicle rescues, to lift the vault and free him.
Rojas leaves behind a wife and young son, Angel Noel. The family’s attorney is considering legal action, claiming that the funeral home was grossly negligent by having Rojas handle heavy equipment alone and without proper safety support.
Restland issued a brief response expressing sorrow over the loss of a “longstanding valued employee” and stated it is cooperating with authorities.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reportedly investigating the incident to determine the cause and any liability.
