EAGLE GROVE-The following is a statement from Jere Null, CEO of Prestage Foods of Iowa:

“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our team members early this morning at our Eagle Grove facility. An accident occurred on the third shift while the employee was performing routine maintenance duties.

Jeffrey Leonardi, 57, was a mechanic and had been with Prestage Foods of Iowa since March of 2019 when the plant opened. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, co-workers, and friends.

Iowa OSHA has been notified and we are offering our full cooperation. In addition, we are conducting an internal investigation. Support through the Employee Assistance Program is available to employees.”

Jeffery Leonardi was a resident of Fort Dodge.