Caldwell seed company says fatal accident was ‘an enormous personal loss’

While investigators continue looking into the industrial accident that killed a Parma woman Wednesday, Crookham Co. released a statement mourning the death of the longtime employee at their Caldwell seed plant.

Francisca R. Gomez, 63, died Wednesday afternoon, shortly after her hair got caught in a piece of machinery at the plant off Simplot Boulevard near Centennial Way, pulling her against the machine, Canyon County Coroner Vicki DeGeus-Morris said after the autopsy Thursday. Her death was accidental, caused by blood loss and traumatic asphyxia, the coroner said.

In a written statement to KIVI-TV, Channel 6, Friday, company president George Crookham said other workers tried to save her.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating, and a spokesman said Thursday the probe could take several months. Attempts to get updated information from OSHA Friday were unsuccessful.

Here's the text of Crookham's statement: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Francisca (Frances) Gomez, a cherished member of the Crookham Company employee family. Her passing represents an enormous personal loss to each and every one of us.

Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers go to Frances’ family. Crookham has a 37 year relationship with them and they are now our first priority.

We want also to recognize the valiant efforts of the Crookham employee family who came to Frances’ aid and were unceasing in their efforts."

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 8:52 PM with the headline "Caldwell seed company says fatal accident was ‘an enormous personal loss’."