Friends Take to Facebook to Remember Meat Packing Plant Murder Victim

Rest In Peace Bro and may you and the angels watch over your family!!!! — feeling sad

That is one of many online condolences expressed to 25-year-old Danny Vazquez, a Philadelphia resident who was allegedly murdered at work Wednesday by a coworker at a Montgomery County meat packing plant.

Vazquez, who investigators said attempted a prank on his 32-year-old coworker the day before he died, was stabbed at the MOPAC Rendering Plant in Franconia Township. Lansdale resident Peter Jok Atem, 32, has been charged with first degree murder in connection with Vazquez’s death.

As the news of his death spread, friends and coworkers took to Facebook to offer memories and expressions of remorse to Vazquez, a Kensington High School graduate and a master utility operator at the meat packing plant, according to his profile.

RELATED: Murder at Meat Packing Plant Was Retaliation for Prank: Police

His profile, before Wednesday, was filled with commentary on football and images of happier times—cheerful holidays, smiling family and a even a new home.

But then things turn somber.

“Danny, Im really sorry. To your wife, Danny was a great co worker. He is going 2 b missed. It really, really sucks. Danny n I had lots of talks. RIP,” wrote one Facebook friend.

“Wow this so crazy bro im gonna miss you bro like really,” another said.

One friend recalled humorous moments between the two. “I remember the time we talked about when I got a PS2 for Christmas and you got a pair of socks lmao. Or the time when we were younger and a waterbug flew in your room and you had to play the Playstation from the hallway because you was scared to go in your room,” he said.

Coworkers took to Facebook to ensure Vazquez’s family knew how much he was liked.

“Oh Danny I’m going to miss your smiling face around Mopac. I enjoyed calling you son. You were the best so kind, thoughtful, and so on. I’m so so sorry this happened to you. I have such a heavy heart also and can’t believe this has happened.”

According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, Vazquez and Atem were coworkers. On Tuesday, authorities said, Vazquez tried to pull a chair out from under Atem, who said he was “going to get you for that,” witnesses told authorities.

The next day, Atem allegedly physically attacked Vazquez, pinning him to the floor. Vazquez was able to get away but a short time later, Atem again approached him, and this time the confrontation was fatal, police said.

A witness told police he heard screaming and saw the defendant stabbing Vazquez inside the meat packing plant. The witness tried to get help for Vazquez but he collapsed and became unresponsive, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office.

According to a report by The Intelligencer, Vazquez’s last words were: “Tell my wife I love her.”

Vazquez was transported by Harleysville Ambulance to Lansdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police later located Atem hiding in a shed a short distance from the scene of the crime. He had self-inflicted stab wounds and was rushed to Paoli Memorial Hospital, the District Attorney’s office said.

Atem is charged with first-degree murder and has been denied bail, court documents show.

Meanwhile, Vazquez’s friends continue to mourn.

R.I.P. My brother .. A life taken too soon. Condolence to wife, children and family. I have a heavy heart — feeling depressed.

(Photo: Danny Vazquez, via Facebook)