Workplace accident leads to man’s death at Triumph Foods

By Jenna Wilson

A man was pronounced dead at Triumph Foods early Friday after he was run over by a truck.

According to the St. Joseph Police Department, the incident occurred around 6:48 a.m.

“One of them was driving what’s commonly known as a shag truck,” said Sgt. James Tonn with the police department. “And the other was helping him back up. The one who was helping him back up got in behind him and unfortunately, the driver of the truck didn’t realize it and ran him over.”

There are more details surrounding the accident that can’t be revealed at this time, police confirmed, but nothing appears to be criminal.

“We did, by normal procedure, get breath and blood from the driver of the vehicle,” Tonn added. “Nothing showed up in his breathalyzer and blood is being sent to the lab. We’re expecting it to be negative, but we have to wait on that before we talk to the prosecutor.”

The man pronounced dead at the scene has been identified by police as Aaron Ruelas, of Texas, born in 1984.

The investigation is ongoing and more details will be released when they become available. Tonn said they aren’t expecting any criminal charges.