The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation into the death of a 63-year-old man who was found dead inside an industrial machine.
On Monday morning, the New Jersey State Police responded to the call regarding an unconscious man. Dale R. Devilli was found unconscious inside a kettle cooker at a New Jersey food processing plant where he worked.
Devilli was pronounced dead at the scene. He is a father of two daughters, PEOPLE reported.
“Nothing suspicious appeared in nature,” police told PEOPLE, adding, “this is an active investigation, and there is no additional information available.”
A spokesperson for Lassonde Industries Inc., located in Cumberland County, said the company was “devastated” by the news.
“An accident occurred at our facility in Seabrook, New Jersey that caused a fatal injury to one of our employees,” Alexander Roberton, senior director of corporate communications for Lassonde, told the outlet.
“We are devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague, and our hearts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
OSHA said they have opened an investigation into the man’s death.
Friends and family have since paid tribute on social media, with some calling Devilli “a damn good man.”
“Daddy, losing you so suddenly yesterday has been a nightmare that I know isn’t going to end anytime soon,” his daughter, Karli Devilli, posted on Facebook. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without your loving and supportive talks that always ended with ‘everything will be okay, I love you.'”
“You went above and beyond as a father and never missed a chance to make my mom, sister and I feel loved and provided for,” Karli added. “You taught me more than I could ever learn from a book about life, unconditional love, and how important family is. I know I’ll see you again one day.”
Karli told PEOPLE that “our family is devastated by the loss of my father.”
“We will do everything we can to learn why this accident happened and how it could have been prevented,” she shared. “For now, we just want private time to remember a wonderful father and husband who we will miss so very much.”
