A horrific and “unfathomable” tragedy has left the local community shaken after an employee at a Williamsport Olive Garden died following a self-inflicted injury in the restaurant’s kitchen late last month.
The incident, which Pennsylvania State Police have officially categorized as a suicide, occurred in full view of terrified coworkers and several patrons. According to police reports and 911 dispatch audio recently made public, a male cook at the Lycoming Creek Road location took his own life by immersing himself in a high-temperature deep fryer.
Emergency dispatchers described a frantic scene as the call came in on the evening of January 30.
“I don’t have a lot of details… a lot of people screaming,” a dispatcher can be heard saying in the recorded audio. “A male victim went head-first into the fryers.”
Witnesses reported that coworkers tried desperately to intervene. One female employee suffered minor burns while attempting to pull the man away from the boiling oil. Despite the efforts of staff and the quick arrival of emergency responders, the man later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
In the wake of the tragedy, the restaurant was closed for several days to allow for a professional deep cleaning and to provide counseling resources for the staff who witnessed the event. It has since reopened, though the atmosphere remains somber.
A spokesperson for Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden, issued a brief statement:
“We are heartbroken by this tragic loss. Our primary focus is on supporting our team members and the family of our colleague during this incredibly difficult time. We are cooperating fully with local authorities.”
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Lauren Lesher confirmed that, out of respect for the family’s privacy, the victim’s name will not be released.
Comments are closed.