Six workers lost their lives to hydrogen sulfide gas exposure at a dairy farm in Weld County, Colorado, on August 20, 2025. The coroner’s report released on October 30, 2025, confirmed the toxic gas as the cause after autopsies and tests, sparking renewed calls for better safety in agriculture.

The Deadly Incident Unfolds

The tragedy struck at Prospect Valley Dairy, an industrial scale operation owned by California based Prospect Ranch, located east of Keenesburg, about 35 miles northeast of Denver. Emergency responders rushed to the scene around 6 p.m. after reports of a confined space rescue. They found the six men in a manure pit or similar enclosed area where the gas had built up dangerously.

First responders from the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District took extra precautions before entering the hazardous zone. The incident highlighted the risks of working in tight spaces on farms, where gases from decomposing manure can turn deadly without warning. Local authorities quickly suspected harmful fumes, but it took months for the full picture to emerge through official reports.

This event came amid a busy season for dairy operations, when heat and fermentation processes can worsen gas production. Families of the victims waited anxiously for answers, as the rural community reeled from the sudden loss.

Victims and Family Connections

All six victims were Latino men, underscoring the vital role immigrant workers play in Colorado’s agriculture sector. They ranged in age from a 17 year old high school student to a 50 year old family man, with four from the same extended family.

Alejandro Espinoza Cruz, 50, from Nunn, died alongside his sons, 17 year old Oscar Espinoza Leos and 29 year old Carlos Espinoza Prado from Evans. Another relative by marriage, 36 year old Jorge Sanchez Pena from Greeley, perished too. The other two, 40 year old Ricardo Gomez Galvan and 32 year old Noe Montañez Casañas, both from Keenesburg, rounded out the group.

Noe Montañez Casañas worked as a veterinarian under a U.S. visa, and his remains were sent back to his home in Hidalgo, Mexico. The close ties among the victims made the loss even more heartbreaking for their loved ones. Community members noted how these hardworking individuals supported their families through demanding farm jobs.

Understanding Hydrogen Sulfide Dangers

Hydrogen sulfide, often called H2S, is a colorless gas with a rotten egg smell at low levels, but it can numb the senses at higher concentrations. On farms, it forms when manure breaks down in low oxygen environments like pits or lagoons, mixing with other gases such as methane and ammonia.

Exposure starts with eye and throat irritation, but high doses lead to quick unconsciousness and death by suffocating the body. Experts point out that this gas is heavier than air, so it pools in low spots, creating invisible traps in confined areas.

In agriculture, such incidents claim lives yearly, often in clusters like this one because coworkers rush in to help without proper gear. Recent data shows manure related deaths account for a significant portion of farm fatalities in the U.S., with Colorado seeing similar risks in its growing dairy industry.

To illustrate common hazards, here is a table of toxic gases in farm environments:

This table highlights why multiple gases pose overlapping threats in dairy settings.

Investigations and Safety Gaps

Federal investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, are probing the dairy and a contractor, Fiske Electric’s subsidiary High Plains Robotics, which employed some victims. The focus is on equipment maintenance and emergency protocols during what may have started as a routine task.

Sources suggest one worker might have accidentally released the gas, prompting others to enter without adequate protection, leading to a chain reaction. The Weld County Sheriff’s Office is also involved, but details remain limited due to the ongoing probe.

Colorado lacks specific state rules for hydrogen sulfide training, leaving enforcement to federal guidelines. This gap has drawn criticism, especially after a similar gas incident at a Fort Morgan sugar plant a year earlier. Families are pushing for reforms to protect vulnerable workers in high risk jobs.

Community Mourns and Rallies Support

The rural towns around Keenesburg felt the shockwaves immediately, with residents organizing fundraisers like dances, car washes, and haircut events to aid grieving families. Churches held a big memorial at the local fairgrounds in early September, featuring songs like Amazing Grace to honor the lost.

Reverend Thomas Kuffel from Holy Family Catholic Church spoke of the community’s disbelief, noting that farm accidents usually involve one or two people, not six at once. The event brought together ranchers and dairy folks who know the tough realities of the work but found this scale foreign and devastating.

Latino advocacy groups stepped up too, highlighting broader issues of worker safety for immigrants in agriculture. As news spread, it reminded everyone of the human cost behind everyday milk production.

Calls for Better Farm Safety Measures

Experts stress proven ways to prevent such tragedies, like using self contained breathing gear and strict entry rules for confined spaces. Training on gas monitors and emergency plans can stop one mishap from becoming a mass casualty.

Here are key safety steps recommended for dairy farms:

• Test air quality before entering any pit or silo.
• Use harnesses and lifelines for rescues, never jump in blindly.
• Install ventilation systems to reduce gas buildup.
• Train all workers on recognizing symptoms and evacuation drills.
• Maintain equipment regularly to avoid accidental releases.

Implementing these could save lives, as similar guidelines have cut incidents in other states. With Colorado’s dairy sector expanding, now is the time for stronger protections.

This heartbreaking case at the Colorado dairy farm deaths from hydrogen sulfide exposure urges us all to push for change in workplace safety. Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to raise awareness among farmers and families.