LAKETOWN TWP, MI (WHTC) - A 23-year old man drowned in a vat of molasses while on the job at Agri-Science Technology Company in Laketown Township.
Allegan County Undersheriff Frank Baker says Robert Herweyer of Alto was working to pump molasses out of a tank with another employee when he may have suffered a medical episode or was overcome by fumes when he drowned.
" As a result of climbing down into the tank, something happened which caused him to either lose consciences or fall or something that resulted in him being down in the actual molasses itself." Baker said.
A co-worker says Herweyer grabbed the straps attaching him to a forklift to climb out, but then didn't move and did not respond when asked if he was okay. He died after being taken to Holland Hospital on July 26.
WOOD TV 8 reports that Herweyer who was married in November was expecting his first child within the next few weeks. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses.