Authorities in Weld County, Colorado, are investigating a suspected gas exposure incident that resulted in the deaths of six individuals at a dairy farm on Wednesday evening. The Southeast Weld Fire Protection District responded to an emergency call at approximately 6 p.m. on August 20, 2025.
Fire Chief Tom Beach reported that rescue operations were conducted with necessary precautions, but unfortunately, six deceased individuals were recovered from the confined space. The incident occurred at Prospect Valley Dairy, located at 32063 Weld County Road 18, near Keenesburg, approximately 40 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado.
The victims were identified Friday evening by the Weld County Coroner’s Office as Oscar Espinoza Leos, 17, of Nunn; Carlos Espinoza Prado, 29, of Evans; Noé Montanez Casanas, 32, of Keenesburg; Jorge Sanchez Pena, 36, of Greeley; Ricardo Gomez Galvan, 40, of Keenesburg; and Alejandro Espinoza Cruz, 50, of Nunn. All were Hispanic males, aged between 17 and 50.
Chief Deputy Coroner Jolene Weiner stated initial findings pointed to gas exposure, with first responders noting high levels of hydrogen sulfide and a burst pipe in radio communications. Autopsies were completed by Friday evening, but the cause and manner of death await further testing.
According to worker advocates and fundraising efforts, four of the victims were from the same extended family. Alejandro Espinoza was the father of Oscar Espinoza, a student at Highland High School in Ault, Colorado.
Ana Schultz of Project Protect Food Systems Workers noted that four family members worked on machinery at dairies in the region. Tomi Rodriguez, another team member, described the family as hardworking and united. The remaining two victims resided on the dairy farm in housing provided by their employer.
The Weld RE-9 School District confirmed one victim was a student at Highland High School, expressing condolences to his family and friends. Counseling and support services were made available to students and staff.
Three other individuals involved in the incident received treatment at UCHealth hospital in Greeley, Colorado, and have since been released. Authorities have not disclosed details of their involvement.
Weld County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Melissa Chesmore said that as of Friday morning, their investigation had not uncovered any criminal activity. The investigation remains ongoing to determine if any crimes were committed.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has initiated a federal investigation, which may take up to six months. OSHA has refrained from releasing information until the conclusion of the investigation, expressing condolences to the families of the deceased.
Hydrogen sulfide, naturally found in crude petroleum and natural gas, is also produced from the decomposition of manure. While low exposure can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, high concentrations in confined spaces can be fatal.
Prospect Valley Dairy is owned by Prospect Valley Dairy LLC, with ownership records listing an address in Bakersfield, California. The facility features a 32,500-square-foot dairy milking parlor, a 450,000-square-foot free stall barn built in 2017, and an additional 100,000-square-foot barn added in 2024.
The Dairy Farmers of America confirmed the accident at one of its member farms, expressing sorrow and extending condolences to the families of the victims. They have no further details as the investigation is in its early stages.
GoFundMe campaigns have been launched by family and coworkers to cover funeral expenses. Juan Mendez of Greeley organized a campaign titled “Support Families of Oscar, Alejandro, & Jorge” to help cover funeral expenses for his relatives. A separate campaign for Noé Montanez Casanas was started by a friend and coworker.
