Construction Worker Dies In Rohnert Park Forklift Accident: DPS

ROHNERT PARK, CA — A construction worker died Wednesday after he was struck by a forklift at a Rohnert Park jobsite, authorities said. The fatality is being investigated as an industrial work accident and was reported just before 10 a.m. at the construction site of a future apartment complex at 541 Carlson Ave., the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety said in a news release.

Rohnert Park police and fire personnel responded to find a 19-year-old man unconscious on the ground and not breathing, with his co-workers trying to revive him.

Sonoma Life Support personnel also responded to the scene and CPR was started within a short amount of time, Rohnert Park DPS officials said.

The gravely wounded man was rushed to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

He was identified Thursday by the Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner's office as Francisco Torres, 19, of Olivehurst in Yuba County.

According to Rohnert Park DPS, the initial investigation revealed the victim was assisting an operator of a "large telescopic forklift" who was backing up with a load of roof trusses.

"The operator lost sight of his backer, and inadvertently backed over him," Rohnert Park DPS said. "Once the operator of the forklift realized what had happened, he immediately moved the lift and began to render aid to the victim."

Authorities with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration — OSHA — were notified and responded to the scene to assume the investigation.

"The Department of Public Safety sends their condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of the victim at this extremely difficult time," Rohnert Park DPS said.