The Brief
Six people died from suspected gas exposure at a dairy farm in rural Colorado.
Their bodies were recovered Wednesday evening in a confined space.
The deceased include four members of an extended family.
Six people died this week in an accident at a dairy farm in rural Colorado.
Colorado dairy farm accident
What we know
Six people were found dead in a confined space at a Colorado dairy farm Wednesday evening, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District said.
Weld County Chief Deputy Coroner Jolene Weiner has since confirmed the identities of the deceased — all Hispanic males, including four members of an extended family.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officials confirmed to Fox News Digital they are investigating.
What we don't know
The cause of death is pending, and autopsies have been completed on all six people.
Dig deeper
Meanwhile, the coroner's office is investigating the deaths as the possible consequence of gas exposure in a confined space.
Investigators are looking into what kind of gases may have played a role in the deaths.
Local perspective
Organizers with a support network for food workers told the Denver Post that the four relatives repaired machinery at various dairies in and near Keenesburg, Colorado, where they were found dead.
What they're saying
"They were extremely hardworking and humble," said Tomi Rodriguez, an outreach worker for Project Protect Food System Workers. "They were a very united family."
Alejandro Espinoza Cruz, of Nunn, died along with his 17-year-old son Oscar Espinoza Leos — a high school student — and a second son, 29-year-old Carlos Espinoza Prado of Evans.
The Espinozas are related by marriage to another 36-year-old victim from Greeley — Jorge Sanchez Pena, Weiner said.
The Weld County Coroner's Office identified the other deceased Colorado residents as Ricardo Gomez Galvan, 40, and Noe Montanez Casanas, 32, both of Keenesburg.
Weld County, Colorado
Big picture view
Weld County is a major agricultural producer. Three-quarters of its land is devoted to farming and raising livestock. It’s Colorado’s leading dairy producer and the state’s biggest source of beef cattle, grain and sugar beets.
The Source
Information in this article was taken from the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District, Weld County officials and OSHA officials, as reported by The Associated Press and FOX News Digital. Additional information was taken from local reportings at the Denver Post. This story was reported from Detroit.
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