• A father of three died after falling into a vat of molten iron.
• Steven Dierkes, 39, was attempting to take a sample from the 1,400°C crucible when he tripped and fell in, instantly killing him.
• Half of his corpse remained outside the container.

According to a coroner, a father of three died after falling into a vat of molten iron.

Steven Dierkes, 39, was attempting to take a sample from the 1,400°C crucible when he tripped and fell in, instantly killing him.

According to a colleague at Caterpillar’s Mapleton Foundry in Illinois, half of his corpse remained outside the container.

His family described him as a “hard-working teddy bear of a man” who “simply cherished” his three daughters, ages 12, five, and four, as well as his partner Jessica Stutter.

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According to Coroner Jamie Harwood, who was quoted in the local newspaper covering Steven’s hometown of Peoria, no foul play is suspected.

However, safety concerns have been raised at the foundry, where another worker died in December after falling 20 feet through a hole in the floor after stepping off a ladder.

According to the World Socialist Web Site, a staffer claimed Steven had ‘just been there for five days’ and lacked the necessary training to work on the iron floor.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalized the facility $5,750 in 2020 for a safety violation involving ‘fall prevention systems and falling objects.’

Following fines of $4,337 in November 2019, $17,711 in May 2019, and $10,419 in January 2019, the safety watchdog imposed fines of $4,337 in November 2019, $17,711 in May 2019, and $10,419 in January 2019.

The third fine was reportedly imposed after a worker’s finger was cut while attempting to replace a damaged chain on a conveyor belt system.

The OSHA, as well as the sheriff’s and coroner’s offices, are investigating Steven’s death.

The OSHA is also looking into the death of Scott Adams, a 50-year-old electrical contractor who was hired to install new equipment at the plant in December.

Steven was stated to have substantial manufacturing experience, having worked in a variety of roles after graduating from welding school.

The statement said, “Steven loved the outdoors and all animals. He was a loving person who enjoyed laughter from any source he could find.”

“He was a hard-working teddy bear of a man with calloused hands and a tender heart. He would have done anything for anyone with no expectation of anything in return.”

“He would have given a stranger the shirt from his back even though that may have been his last shirt. Most of all, he was a wonderful loving father to his daughters that he absolutely adored. He will be greatly missed.”

A statement released by Caterpillar stated, “We are deeply saddened by the death of an employee who was involved in a serious incident at our Mapleton, Illinois, facility on June 2.”

“Our thoughts are with this employee’s family, friends and colleagues. The safety of our employees, contractors and visitors is our top priority.”