Gene Bores, 71, Fatally Struck by Rolling Tractor-Trailer at Sherwin-Williams Plant in Rochester Township, Pennsylvania
Gene Bores, 71, Fatally Struck by Rolling Tractor-Trailer at Sherwin-Williams Plant in Rochester Township, Pennsylvania: Tragedy Sparks Renewed Focus on Industrial Workplace Safety
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the industrial community and beyond, 71-year-old Gene Bores of Huron, Ohio, lost his life on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after being fatally struck by a rolling tractor-trailer at the Sherwin-Williams packaging plant on Cleveland Street in Rochester Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania .(WPXI)
The Incident
According to Beaver Valley Regional Police Chief Mike Priolo, the accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when Bores, a contractor, was unloading a trailer at the Sherwin-Williams facility . Reports indicate that the tractor-trailer was not properly secured and began to roll backward. Bores attempted to stop the vehicle but was pulled underneath the rear wheels, resulting in fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene .(TribLIVE.com, CBS News)
Official Response
Beaver County Coroner David Gabauer identified the victim as Gene Bores and ruled the death accidental, citing blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and pelvis as the cause . The Pennsylvania State Police have been called in to assist with the investigation, which includes examining the truck’s braking system. Initial assessments suggest that the vehicle’s brakes were functioning properly, and the incident resulted from the truck not being placed in park .(WPXI, CBS News)
Community Impact
The tragic loss of Gene Bores has deeply affected both his hometown of Huron, Ohio, and the local community in Rochester Township. Neighbors near the Sherwin-Williams plant expressed concerns about the heavy truck traffic in the area and the potential dangers it poses. Kristina Warnick, a local resident, remarked on the frequency of truck movements and the importance of keeping children indoors during peak hours to ensure their safety .(CBS News)
Workplace Safety Considerations
This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in industrial settings, particularly regarding vehicle operation and securing procedures. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes the necessity of proper training for workers handling heavy machinery and vehicles to prevent such accidents. Ensuring that vehicles are adequately secured when parked is a fundamental safety measure that can prevent tragedies like the one that claimed Bores’ life.
Remembering Gene Bores
While specific details about Bores’ personal life have not been publicly disclosed, his untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by workers in industrial environments. As investigations continue, it is hoped that this tragedy will lead to increased awareness and the implementation of more stringent safety measures to protect workers and prevent similar incidents in the future.