The Occupational Safety and Health Division has released preliminary findings in a Creswell man’s death in a grain bin on July 29.

Elith Trinidad-Sosa, 49, an employee at Lake Phelps Grain Inc. west of Creswell, was reported missing in a grain silo around 9:30 a.m.

Trinidad-Sosa became engulfed when he ascended a 13-foot-deep pile of corn in the center as he was preparing to clean out the bin, a state Department of Labor spokesperson explained.

Co-workers and rescue teams took turns emptying the corn-filled bin, and Trinidad-Sosa’s body was located around 3:45 p.m.

A tube designed to speed rescues inside grain silos was brought to the scene, but the person inside must be located before the tube is employed.

Washington County sheriff’s officers, Washington-Tyrrell EMS, Washington County Emergency Management and firefighters from Creswell, Mid-County, Plymouth, Pungo, Elizabeth City and Tyrrell County responded to the scene and aided in the recovery, according to Washington County manager Curtis Potter.

Trinidad-Sosa, a Creswell resident, was a native of Oaxaca, Mexico. His wife Eneida and son Yahir Trinidad of the home survive. He was a member of the Columbia Missionary Baptist Church.

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