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OSHA Investigates Fourth Death at Smithfield’s Illinois Plant

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 3:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Smithfield Foods reported that 44-year-old Patou M. Mpinda died at its Monmouth, Illinois plant on Monday.
Coroner Al McGuire said the cause of death remains pending.
OSHA spokesperson Juan Rodriguez confirmed a federal investigation is under way.
Management ordered production to continue, prompting a walkout by African-origin staff.
The plant experienced its fourth death and the first involving a machine.

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Story summary

Smithfield Foods reported that 44-year-old Patou M. Mpinda died at its Monmouth, Illinois plant on Monday.
Coroner Al McGuire said the cause of death remains pending.
OSHA spokesperson Juan Rodriguez confirmed a federal investigation is under way.
Management ordered production to continue, prompting a walkout by African-origin staff.
The plant experienced its fourth death and the first involving a machine.