by West Milwaukee, WI – A tragic industrial accident occurred on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at a Palermo’s Pizza manufacturing facility in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where 45-year-old factory worker Robert Cherone was fatally crushed by a robotic machine. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Cherone was pronounced dead at the scene, shocking the community and prompting an ongoing federal investigation.
The incident has raised serious concerns about workplace safety in industrial environments that use automated machinery, bringing to light the risks faced by workers and the importance of stringent safety protocols.
Details of the Fatal Incident at Palermo’s Pizza
According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office and reports from the West Milwaukee Police Department, Robert Cherone was involved in a catastrophic accident involving a robotic machine during his shift at the pizza production facility. Emergency responders, including officers and the Milwaukee Fire Department, were dispatched promptly after the accident was reported.
“Life-saving measures were attempted; however, a 45-year-old male was subsequently pronounced dead on scene,” the West Milwaukee Police Department stated in their official release.
Following this devastating event, Palermo’s Pizza decided to send workers home for the remainder of the day as they dealt with the aftermath. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to this fatal accident.
Company Response and Support for the Family
Rebecca Schimke, spokesperson for Palermo’s Pizza, expressed the company’s profound sorrow over the loss of their employee. In a prepared statement, she said:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that claimed the life of one of our employees, Rob Cherone, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
Palermo’s Pizza has stated it is fully cooperating with government officials throughout the investigation, emphasizing its commitment to safety and support for its workers.
- Providing counseling and resources for employees grieving the loss
- Offering continued support to Cherone’s family
- Ensuring a thorough review of safety protocols across their operations
“The loss is felt across the entire Palermo’s community,” the statement continued, “and we are focused on honoring the memory of Rob with compassion and care.”
Investigation Underway: OSHA and Labor Perspectives
The U.S. Department of Labor confirmed that OSHA has opened an official investigation, which is expected to span up to six months. According to a department spokesperson:
“During that time, no additional information will be provided. Updates may be found on OSHA’s Establishment Search page.”
This investigation seeks to uncover all factors contributing to the tragic event and ensure future prevention.
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Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of Wisconsin AFL-CIO, commented on the tragedy highlighting the broader workplace safety concerns:
“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.”
She also noted that while Palermo’s Pizza employees are not currently unionized, the labor organization shares in the community’s grief and calls for enhanced safety vigilance.
The Impact and Call for Enhanced Workplace Safety
The death of Robert Cherone serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by industrial automation when safety measures fall short. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for:
- Comprehensive safety training for workers handling or working near robotic equipment.
- Regular safety audits and risk assessments at manufacturing facilities.
- Development and enforcement of rigorous industrial safety regulations.
- Collaboration between employers, employees, and government agencies to foster a safer work environment.
This incident can be further explored in detailed news coverage from trusted sources, including the full report by PEOPLE magazine available here.
Remembering Robert Cherone
Beyond the investigation and broader implications, the primary focus remains on honoring the memory of Robert Cherone and supporting those affected by his sudden passing. The Palermo’s Pizza community, family, and friends continue to grieve as investigations proceed, with hopes that this tragedy serves as a catalyst for improved safety in workplaces nationwide.
What do you think about this tragic workplace accident? Have you or someone you know encountered safety challenges working with industrial machinery? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
