A robotic machine crushed and killed a Wisconsin bakery manager Wednesday morning at a West Milwaukee pizza factory.
Robert Cherone, 45, died at Palermo’s Pizza facility around 6:30 a.m. after first responders tried to revive him. West Milwaukee police officers and firefighters responded to reports of an industrial accident at the facility, WISN 12 reported. Paramedics pronounced Cherone dead at the scene. (RELATED: Man Reportedly Became Unresponsive, Died After Riding Universal Roller Coaster)
Reports have not clarified what kind of machine was involved in Cherone’s death.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched an investigation into the fatal accident, working with local police and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to Fox News. Authorities have not explained how Cherone became trapped in the machinery. The Elkhorn resident worked as a bakery manager at the plant and had spent years in food production.
“The tragic accident that took an employee’s life earlier today is a terrible incident that is being fully investigated,” Palermo’s spokesperson Rebecca Schimke said Wednesday, the outlet reported. “We are cooperating with government officials and gathering facts. Palermo’s will be supporting the employee’s family and next of kin. We will also be offering counseling and support services to the Palermo’s team during this difficult time.”
On behalf of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of the worker killed in a workplace accident at Palermo’s Pizza today.
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 17, 2025
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor organization, called for stronger workplace safety measures following Cherone’s death.
“This tragic incident underscores the need for everyone involved in our workplaces—workers, employers, relevant government agencies—to work together aggressively to ensure that every person who goes to work to provide for themselves and their family comes home safely at the end of the day,” the organization stated.
Cherone’s colleagues remembered him for his dedication to his craft, according to his professional profile.