Body recovered after fatal workplace incident at Fowler raisin facility
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- Juan Patino, was found dead in a Fowler raisin facility water digester.
- Specialized dive teams recovered the worker after hazardous conditions
- Authorities and OSHA are investigating as an industrial accident pending autopsy.
A 39-year-old worker was found dead Friday morning at National Raisin Company’s facility in Fowler after he went missing in suspected workplace accident the day before.
Juan Patino was reported missing at 2:30 p.m. Thursday after he failed to check out, Fowler Police Chief Greg Gularte said in an update at the scene Friday.
Co-workers became concerned when his name remained on log sheets at the end of his shift, and his last known location placed him near a water digester on the property.
Gularte said Patino was last seen around 1:10 p.m.
His hard hat and work cart were later discovered at his assigned work site, but there was no sign of him.
The Fowler Police Department was contacted shortly after 2:30 p.m. to start a search.
Officers searched the facility and nearby residences, and contacted family members before focusing efforts on the water digester — a large, covered basin used in industrial waste processing.
Due to hazardous conditions, including chemical exposure and sludge, specialized dive teams were called in from Utah.
Divers arrived around 1 a.m. Friday and began operations at 8 a.m.
When crews returned to the site, Patino’s body had surfaced within the digester.
Divers entered the water around 10 a.m. and were able to retrieve the body.
Gularte said Patino was wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt, and brown boots, and his driver’s license was found in his clothing.
“This is a traumatic event for everyone involved — for the family, coworkers, and the business,” Gularte said.
Gularte said Patino was assigned to remove rainwater from a tarp covering the digester. Investigators believe he may have become trapped or fallen into the basin during that task. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined, pending an autopsy.
Officials noted that digesters, which are used to process waste and sometimes generate methane for energy, can present serious hazards, including drowning and exposure to chemicals.
The incident is now being investigated as an industrial accident.
Authorities are working alongside OSHA.
Gularte said the company’s leadership has been present and cooperative throughout the investigation.
National Raisin Company President and CEO Joe Leon issued a statement expressing sorrow over the tragedy in Fowler.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a tragic incident has occurred at our Fowler facility in which one of our team members lost his life. This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire organization.
“Our employees are like family. The loss of one of our own is felt profoundly across our company, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities in their investigation into this incident. Out of respect for the family and to ensure the integrity of the investigation, we will not be sharing additional details at this time.
“The safety and well-being of our employees remains our highest priority. We are committed to supporting our team and honoring the memory of our colleague and friend.”
This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 1:07 PM.
