Cushing Man Dies Inside Nebraska Ethanol Plant Fermenting Tank; Autopsy Ordered

CUSHING,OK-Worker Found Unconscious in Fermenting Tank

Authorities in Pierce County, Nebraska, say 31-year-old Randall McElroy of Cushing, Oklahoma, was found dead inside a fermenting tank at the Husker Ag ethanol production facility on Saturday. Emergency responders pronounced McElroy dead at the scene.

Common Hazards in Fermenting Tanks

Fermentation tanks can produce high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other gases that displace oxygen, creating a risk of asphyxiation for workers who enter without proper ventilation and confined-space protocols. Investigators routinely assess whether proper confined-space entry procedures, gas monitoring and permit systems were followed.

Plant Safety Manager, "We are treating this as a workplace tragedy. An autopsy and full safety review will determine the cause and whether safety procedures were followed.”

Investigations and Next Steps

An autopsy has been ordered to establish the cause of death. Federal and state workplace safety officials (including OSHA) may open a parallel inquiry into workplace practices and compliance. The facility has temporarily paused the specific operations tied to the incident pending review.

Workplace Safety Reminder

Employers in industrial facilities are urged to enforce confined-space training, continuous gas monitoring, emergency rescue plans and buddy systems to prevent similar tragedies.