Two Employees, Ken Tran and Jonathan Stenke, Die from Oxygen Displacement at Northrop Grumman Facility in Utah

Accident – Death – Obituary News : New Details Emerge in Tragic Deaths of Two Employees at Utah Northrop Grumman Facility

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Tragedy struck earlier this year when two employees at the Northrop Grumman facility in West Valley were found unconscious. Now, new information reveals that the cause of their deaths was oxygen displacement from argon gas, according to police reports.

The incident occurred in January, when Ken Tran, 48, and Jonathan Stenke, 24, were discovered in an unconscious state. Despite the immediate life-saving efforts by the West Valley Fire Department, both individuals were pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.

An autopsy report obtained through a GRAMA request states that the cause of death for both Tran and Stenke was “suffocation (oxygen displacement by argon gas).” The report categorizes their deaths as accidental.

Argon gas, commonly used in industrial processes, has the potential to displace oxygen in the air. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a normal breathing air should contain 21% oxygen. Anything below 19.5% is considered hazardous. Due to its density, argon gas becomes particularly dangerous in confined spaces.

In response to this tragic incident, OSHA conducted an investigation and issued 13 citations to Northrop Grumman, resulting in fines totaling over $172,000. Three of the citations were related to the company’s failure to provide adequate respiratory protection, while the remaining 10 cited violations of “permit-required confined spaces.”

However, Northrop Grumman has contested the fines, and as of Monday, the citations remain under dispute. ABC4 reached out to the company for comment, but they have yet to respond.

The Northrop Grumman facility in West Valley is known for its production of guided missiles and space vehicle propulsion units and parts, according to OSHA records.

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for strict adherence to regulations. The loss of Ken Tran and Jonathan Stenke has undoubtedly left a void in their families and the Northrop Grumman community. As investigations continue and legal battles ensue, it is crucial for all organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees..