Fresno, CA – On the afternoon of Friday, September 19, 2025, a workplace accident left Salatiel Bermudez Boton, 35, of Bakersfield critically injured, and he later died at the hospital, according to KSEE.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office reports that the accident occurred at about 3:00 PM near the intersection of Jensen Avenue and Valentine Avenue in rural Fresno County.
Deputies said Boton attempted to drive a forklift up onto a trailer that was parked along the roadside. While maneuvering the forklift, he lost his balance and fell from the operator’s seat.
The forklift tipped during the fall and landed directly on top of him. Emergency crews arrived within minutes and worked quickly to free him from beneath the heavy equipment.
Paramedics transported Boton to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. Medical staff provided treatment, but his injuries proved too severe, and he was later pronounced dead.
Officials have not released further information regarding the conditions that led to the accident. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
California Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
When a worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness, surviving family members may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits. These payments can help support spouses, children, or other financial dependents impacted by the loss.
