Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1774393.015 - 157445 - Food Lion, Llc

Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Raleigh

Investigation Summary

At 12:00 a.m. on September 10, 2024, Employee #1, a 43-year-old part-time deli/bakery associate at a grocery store, was found dead inside a walk-in freezer. On the evening of September 9, 2024, at approximately 6:55 p.m., video footage showed Employee #1 entering the freezer with a mop and bucket. Around 7:08 p.m., a manager noticed the freezer door ajar, glanced inside, and closed the door, unaware of Employee #1's presence behind a pallet of frozen goods near the rear of the freezer. Employee #1 did not exit the freezer. The following morning at approximately 7:00 a.m., a coworker opened the freezer to retrieve items and discovered Employee #1 lying on his back behind the pallet. Emergency services were contacted. The freezer was set to a temperature between 0°F and 10°F. Preliminary findings from the medical team indicated the cause of death may have been due to natural causes, as no external injuries were observed. The freezer door had a functioning safety latch and was not locked.

Keywords: Door, Freezer, Freezer Compartment, Frozen, Hyperthermia , Natural Causes, Natural Causes, Unconsciousness, Unresponsive