FORT WORTH, Texas — A forklift driver died at a Walmart distribution center in Fort Worth on Friday morning, officials said.
Fort Worth Fire Department officials said the driver ended up crushed between a forklift and a pallet rack at the distribution center, located at 15101 North Beach Street in far north Fort Worth.
The incident happened around 6:15 a.m. Friday.
The law firm of Varghese Summersett identified the victim as 68-year-old Elena Rios.
They are representing her family and sent the following statement:
"On Friday morning, Elena Rios, a mother of four and grandmother of 13, was tragically killed in a Walmart forklift accident. Elena was a 10-year employee for Walmart, certified to operate forklifts and other heavy machinery. The family first learned about the accident on the news and was given conflicting information about what occurred. They retained the law firm of Varghese Summersett to thoroughly investigate the accident into the untimely death of the matriarch of their family. Elena, 68, was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was planning to attend her granddaughter's softball game this afternoon after she finished her shift at Walmart. Sadly, she never got that change."
Walmart officials in a statement said the company was "heartbroken over the passing of one our associates."
Walmart closed the facility for the day and was offering counseling "and other resources to our associates as they cope with this tragic event," the statement said.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said they are investigating the incident.