Gerardo Contreras Garcia of Mongaup Valley, a 36-year-old chef at Hudson Valley Foie Gras, died in a workplace accident at the Liberty facility on June 19 - and the incident is being investigated by the federal Occupational Health & Safety Administration.
The OSHA office in Albany oversees Sullivan County and The SullivanTimes has reached out to OSHA for comment.
Trooper Steven Nevel, the spokesperson for Troop F of the New York State Police, confirmed on Wednesday that his agency responded to the scene and that it was "a tragic accident."
A GoFundMe link has been started by Garcia's family.
"He was a loving father, husband, son, brother, godfather and friend," the GoFundMe text reads. "Jerry was a fantastic person to be around; he was always smiling. He was full of love, light and positivity. When he was not with his family, he was working to provide for his family. Jerry has left behind three beautiful children, his wife, parents, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, inlaws, and many friends. He was loved by so many and will be missed terribly."
Hudson Valley Foie Gras owners Michael Ginor and Izzy Yanay could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the company has joined a lawsuit filed recently in an attempt to block New York City from implementing a law that bans foie gras.
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