Body of missing Fowler man recovered from digester at National Raisin Company facility

FOWLER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Every detail was under review after an employee of the National Raisin Company in Fowler was found dead Friday morning, prompting a multi-agency response and a workplace investigation.

Authorities said the search for 39-year-old Juan Patino began Thursday while he was on the clock.

Co-workers reported they had not heard from him since about 2:30 p.m. His last known assignment was at a water digester, where he was tasked with removing rainwater from a tarp.

Emergency radio traffic indicated the seriousness of the situation early on: "Medical Aid rescue... Batallion... for an employee that fell into the digester."

Fowler Police Chief Greg Gularte said initial responders found signs that Patino had been working in the area.

"A hard helmet and cart was left in place but no visual of Juan," Gularte said.

At least 50 people responded to the scene, including officers from the Fowler Police Department, Cal Fire, Cal/OSHA and the Environmental Health Department, according to Gularte. A specialized water rescue team was flown in from Salt Lake City to assist.

Crews prepared to conduct a search of the water digester Friday morning, but the operation quickly shifted to a recovery.

"When we arrived at the water digester, we saw that the body had floated up but we still needed to use special equipment to get to him," Gularte said.

Family members, co-workers and friends waited for updates as responders worked at the scene. Gularte described the impact on the community and the company.

"It's a traumatic event, traumatic for the business, their co workers, traumatic for the family that's lost a loved one," he said.

A Fowler man who did not know Patino personally but has a loved one who works for the company said the news was difficult to process.

"I was shocked. It's just crazy. Out or nowhere, you are at work and the next day something happens," the man said.

In a statement, National Raisin Company CEO Joe Leon expressed condolences on behalf of the company.

"This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire organization. Our employees are like family. The loss of one of our own is felt profoundly across our company, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time."

The cause of death has not been determined.

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