A construction worker and former semi-pro soccer player died September 18 in a trench collapse in California, the third cave-in death in less than two months and the fourth trench death this year in the state.
Pablo Gomez, 34, was in an 8-foot-deep trench in the Hickman area near Modesto when he was buried while a crew was excavating.
It took over four hours to recover his body, according to the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire District. There were 30 firefighters on the scene, including those from the Modesto and Turlock fire departments.
Gomez played goalkeeper for the semi-pro Modesto City Football Club in 2019 and 2020 and the Turlock Cal Express in 2018.
Pablo Gomez played goalkeeper for the semi-pro Modesto City Football Club in 2019 and 2020.GoFundMe page for family of Pablo Gomez
“Pablo had the heart for this game and always gave it his all every time he stepped on the field,” posted the Turlock Cal Express. “He will be missed.”
“RIP Pablo Gomez,” posted the Modesto club. “You will always be in our hearts and thank you for so many memories together with the club!”
Gomez leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son on the way, according to The Ceres Courier.
Powered byA GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the family described him as “a great friend, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and father.”
“His passing leaves behind a profound sadness that is hard to fathom. Those of us who knew Pablo remember him as a cheerful, beloved guy who loved to dance and have a blast; he always had a smile on his face, brightening our days.”
Cal/OSHA is investigating the incident.
2 Die in Trench in Stockton
The Hickman incident marks the third trench-collapse death in California in the past six weeks.
On August 8, Raúl Crisostomo de la Cruz, 34, and Don Raul Zepeda, 49, were 10 feet deep in a trench when it collapsed in Stockton, about 30 miles from Modesto.
After several hours of recovery work by responders using heavy equipment, their bodies were found.
They had been in the trench the previous day with another worker who left around 5:30 p.m., and the two men stayed on to keep working on drainage for a future supermarket, according to CBS Sacramento. When the worker who left arrived the next morning, he saw the men’s vehicles and cellphones and the collapsed trench.
“Raúl Crisostomo de la Cruz was a loving husband, an exemplary father, and the pillar of his family,” reads his obituary. “His life was defined by love, devotion, honest work, and dedication to those who loved him most. He was always attentive to his wife and children, ensuring their well-being and making his family his top priority; he cherished every moment spent with them and always wanted them by his side wherever he went.”
No obituary information was available for Zepeda.
Cal/OSHA is also investigating this incident.
Worker Perishes in Trench, 2 Injured
On May 19, Martin Rodriguez, 54, died after a trench wall collapsed in Long Beach, and two other workers were injured.
The two injured workers were transported to local trauma centers after being extricated, according to the Long Beach Fire Department. Rodriguez died of asphyxiation after being buried under dirt and rubble, according to Patch.com.
The workers were installing a power cable to the Lydia House shelter for women and children.
Cal/OSHA is also investigating this incident.
