Tragedy in Keenesburg: Colorado Mourns the Deaths of Six Dairy Workers

On Wednesday, August 20th, tragedy struck at Prospect Valley Dairy in Keenesburg, Colorado. Six men lost their lives in a confined space accident that authorities believe was caused by exposure to toxic gases. Among the victims were a father and his teenage son, a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous agricultural work can be for the families who sustain Colorado’s food system.

Confined spaces at dairies and other large-scale agricultural operations, such as manure pits, are known to harbor deadly gases like hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia. Hydrogen sulfide in particular can accumulate quickly and without warning. Even short exposures at high concentrations can cause respiratory paralysis and death. Just last year, another agricultural worker in northeast Colorado died from hydrogen sulfide exposure and four others were hospitalized. Too often, such tragedies unfold when one individual is overcome and others rush in to help, only to be overcome themselves.

These dangers are well-documented, yet deaths continue. This heartbreaking loss in Keenesburg underscores the urgent need for stronger protections, training, and equipment to prevent toxic gas exposure in confined spaces. Agricultural workers deserve the same level of protection and investment in safety that is expected in other dangerous industries, but unfortunately OSHA explicitly excludes agriculture from the confined space regulations designed to prevent these tragedies. No family should face the devastation of losing a loved one in an incident that potentially could have been avoided.

As investigations continue, the tragedy in Keenesburg must serve as more than just a reminder of risk. It should be a turning point for Colorado’s dairy industry and policymakers to prioritize the lives of workers who sustain our food system.

GoFundMe pages for the victims have been created here and here. Your support will help the families cover funeral expenses and provide for their immediate needs during this incredibly difficult time.When Project Protect is able to verify ways to donate to the families of the remaining victims, those links will be available here.

If you have questions about this project or want to support our work, please contact Hunter Knapp at hunter@projectprotectfoodsystems.org.