Construction Worker, Father of Three, Dies After Trench Collapse

A construction worker died last week after becoming trapped and buried in an open trench at a jobsite in Goodyear, according to local authorities.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the site near Citrus and Lower Buckeye roads at approximately 1 p.m. on July 28, where they found 44-year-old Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr. buried roughly six feet underground. Fire, police, and utility crews responded to the scene, including personnel from Southwest Gas.

Firefighters immediately began rescue efforts but faced unstable soil conditions that complicated the operation. “The problem was, as they pulled dirt out, more dirt was collapsing in, which really made this rescue almost impossible,” Goodyear Police Deputy Chief Jose Gonzalez said.

Rescue efforts were further slowed due to the presence of nearby gas lines, requiring crews to proceed cautiously to avoid additional hazards. Authorities later transitioned the response from a rescue to a recovery operation.

“No one goes to work expecting not to come home that night,” Gonzalez said. “Our hearts go out to the family of the individual who’s trapped, as well as to the partners who are here working with this individual.”

Crews worked overnight, and Baquera’s body was recovered at approximately 2 a.m. on July 29. Rubicon Companies, which did not employ the worker, said its crews assisted during the response.

The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health has opened an investigation into the incident to determine whether safety violations occurred at the site. The agency said it typically takes four to five months to complete a full investigation, after which it may recommend citations or penalties to the state board. The employer involved has not been publicly identified.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding trench protections or site safety measures pending the outcome of the investigation.

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