Edward Rodriguez Obituary, Death – A tragic industrial accident at a Reeves County fracking site left one man dead and two others injured, according to information released by the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred Tuesday night at the Permian Resources-Guthrie State D 132H well site, about eight miles south on Highway 285 near County Road 114, where ProPetro Services was conducting fracking operations.
Deputies were called to the scene around 9:00 p.m. after a rupture in a pressurized line resulted in fatal and serious injuries. The deceased was identified as 45-year-old Edward Rodriguez. Two others were injured in the incident: Ricardo Zamora, 35, sustained a significant arm injury and was first taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa for further treatment. Johnny Sanchez, the site supervisor, aged 36, was also injured but treated for minor injuries at Reeves Regional Hospital in Pecos.
Upon arrival, the Sheriff’s Office secured the location and deployed drones to survey the surrounding area, ensuring no additional victims were unaccounted for. Emergency medical services from the Emergency Services District (ESD) provided immediate care to the injured.
ProPetro Services promptly halted fracking operations and powered down the site to mitigate potential hazards. Safety precautions were implemented, and the danger zone was restricted to the immediate vicinity of the pressurized fracking lines. Reeves County Emergency Management assisted in managing the scene, and Lone Star Hazmat was called in to provide safety equipment and ensure the area was secure for investigators.
An initial investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division revealed that a pressurized line carrying approximately 9,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure detached from a fracking unit, causing the deadly accident. Investigators found a pipe that had become disconnected during the incident, with valves still attached to both ends.
Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected at this time. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will conduct a further investigation to determine the exact circumstances and safety concerns related to the incident. Additionally, an autopsy has been requested by Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Sam Lujan, to further investigate the cause of Rodriguez’s death.
In a statement, the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Rodriguez’s family and well-wishes for the injured. “The Reeves County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and pray for a speedy recovery of the injured,” the department said.
This incident highlights the risks associated with fracking operations, which involve high-pressure systems and complex equipment. The tragedy underscores the importance of ongoing safety protocols and rigorous investigations to prevent future occurrences.
As the investigation continues, OSHA and other relevant authorities are expected to provide more insights into the accident’s cause and any necessary recommendations for enhanced site safety protocols. ProPetro Services and emergency responders are likely to work closely with the investigating agencies to ensure accountability and compliance with safety regulations.
The loss of Edward Rodriguez has undoubtedly left a void in the lives of his loved ones, and the community will likely rally to support his grieving family. Meanwhile, thoughts are with Ricardo Zamora and Johnny Sanchez as they recover from their injuries.
Authorities continue to urge caution and strict adherence to safety measures in high-risk industrial operations. Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.