Goodyear, AZ, July 30, 2025
News Summary
A worker tragically died after being trapped in a trench at a Goodyear construction site. The incident highlighted safety concerns in the construction industry. Emergency services responded quickly but faced challenges during rescue efforts, which lasted over 12 hours. The victim, 44, was identified as Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., leaving behind a family in mourning. An investigation has been launched by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
Goodyear
A worker in Goodyear, Arizona, tragically died after becoming trapped in a trench at a construction site on July 29. The incident occurred around 1:10 p.m. on July 28 at a site located near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road.
The individual has been identified as Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44, who was buried under a substantial amount of dirt during the collapse. Emergency services from the Goodyear Fire Department responded swiftly, arriving on the scene within six minutes of being notified.
Initial attempts to rescue Baquera were complicated due to unstable ground conditions and the presence of sensitive underground infrastructure, such as utility gas lines. Fellow workers made efforts to assist Baquera before official responders arrived, but as the trench continued to collapse, rescue operations shifted to a “more methodical recovery approach” within approximately 30 minutes.
The area was secured by police, and rescue operations persisted throughout the night, eventually leading to the recovery of Baquera’s body around 2 a.m. on July 29, marking more than 12 hours of intense recovery efforts.
The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Such investigations typically take four to five months to conclude and release results to the public.
The Goodyear Fire and Police Departments have expressed their condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Baquera, who leaves behind two children. His family has voiced shock and grief over the loss, highlighting Baquera’s love for spending time with family and engaging in activities with them.
An industry safety expert mentioned that incidents like this one could often be prevented with appropriate training and the use of shoring equipment. Historically, Arizona has seen at least three fatalities related to construction trench collapses since 2019. Meanwhile, Rubicon Companies, which assisted in the recovery efforts, clarified that Baquera was not employed by them or any associated subcontractors.
The construction site where the tragedy occurred is part of an ongoing development for new single-family homes in the area, underscoring the potential risks associated with construction work.
Key Facts
- Incident Date: July 28, 2023
- Victim: Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44
- Location: 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road, Goodyear, AZ
- Response Time: 6 minutes
- Recovery Time: Over 12 hours
- Agency Investigation: Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH)
- Previous Fatalities: At least three since 2019 in Arizona due to trench collapses
Background Context
This unfortunate incident not only highlights the dangers associated with construction work but also raises concerns about the safety protocols in place. With increasing construction activity, particularly in developing neighborhoods, the importance of adherence to safety regulations is more crucial than ever.
FAQ
What happened to Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr.?
He died after being trapped in a trench at a construction site in Goodyear, Arizona, on July 28, 2023.
How long did the recovery efforts last?
The recovery operation took more than 12 hours, with Baquera’s body being retrieved around 2 a.m. on July 29.
What kind of investigation is being conducted?
The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) has opened an investigation into the incident, which may take four to five months to complete.
Were there any safety protocols in place?
An industry expert noted that proper training and shoring equipment could have potentially prevented the accident.
Have there been other trench collapse incidents in Arizona?
Yes, there have been at least three deaths related to trench collapses in Arizona since 2019.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr. |
| Incident Location | Construction site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road |
| Response Time | 6 minutes |
| Body Recovery Time | Over 12 hours |
| Investigating Agency | Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) |
| Historical Data on Trench Collapses | At least three deaths in Arizona since 2019 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Death of Construction Worker in Goodyear Trench Collapse
Tragic Incident at Goodyear Construction Site
Rescue Operation Ongoing for Trapped Worker in Goodyear
Fresno Sees Increase in Investor-Owned Homes
Construction Worker Struck and Killed on Atlantic City Expressway
Houston Experiences Major Traffic Disruption Following Fatal Crash on North Freeway
Downtown Silver Spring Residents Frustrated by Purple Line Construction
Tragic Forklift Accident Claims Life of Young Graduating Student
Multi-Vehicle Accidents Cause Major Disruptions on Katy Freeway
San Antonio’s Deadly Flash Flooding Claims Lives and Evacuations
Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Goodyear Construction Worker Dies
- ABC15: Recovery Efforts at Goodyear Construction Site
- 12 News: Goodyear Construction Worker Identified
- ABC15: AM Roundup on Goodyear Trench Collapse
- Wikipedia: Construction Accidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
