Investigation into the Mysterious Death of Zach Panther at a Nebraska Hog Farm

Zach Panther, a 17-year-old worker at Beaver Valley Pork in St. Edward, Nebraska, died under unexplained circumstances on April 1, 2024, just six weeks into his employment. The hog farm is part of Pillen Family Farms, founded by Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, and operated by his daughter, Sarah Pillen. Zach was found collapsed after using chemical-laden spray foam to seal barn cracks, with no witnesses to the incident and no signs of foul play.

New York Times

Pillen Family Farms has been a significant player in Nebraska's agricultural sector, owning or operating over 100 farms since its establishment in 1993. Jim Pillen, the founder, became the state's governor, adding a layer of scrutiny to the investigation into his son's death. Sarah Pillen has served as co-CEO since January 2020, further intertwining the family's business with state leadership.

Investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Boone County Sheriff's Office failed to determine the cause of Zach's death. Reports indicated that the investigation was hampered by poor information sharing and alleged obstruction by the farm, including a refusal to allow OSHA inspectors entry. Sarah Pillen stated that the company had "fully cooperated" with the investigation, but allegations persist regarding the thoroughness of the inquiry.

Zach's mother, Justy Riggs-Panther, has expressed frustration over the lack of answers regarding her son's death. She criticized the investigation's limitations, noting that the sheriff's office only examined the room where Zach died. Riggs-Panther has called for better safety measures to prevent similar incidents, emphasizing the need for accountability in agricultural workplaces.

In response to the investigation's findings, Sarah Pillen acknowledged the family's sadness over Zach's passing and highlighted the absence of workplace violations attributed to the farm. OSHA closed its inquiry in September 2024, concluding that an allergic reaction to the spray foam was "unlikely" to have caused his death. However, Riggs-Panther remains skeptical, questioning how preventative measures can be established without understanding the cause of the incident.

Despite the closure of the investigation, significant questions remain unanswered. The investigation did not yield a definitive cause of death, and Riggs-Panther's request for a tissue sample from her son's autopsy for independent testing was denied by the county attorney. The lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of Zach's death continues to fuel calls for a more thorough examination of safety practices in agricultural settings.

• "My son is dead. There ought to be answers." — Justy Riggs-Panther, Zach's mother

• "We deeply mourn Zach's passing and extend our prayers to his loved ones during this very difficult time." — Sarah Pillen, co-CEO of Pillen Family Farms

• "The idea that maybe it could have been preventable is really intolerable." — Justy Riggs-Panther, expressing her concerns about the investigation's findings.