Tuna Factory Death: Employee Cooked to Death in 'Steamer Machine' at California Food Plant [DETAILS]

A mysterious tuna factory death occurred at California's Bumble Bee Food Plant last Thursday (Oct. 11), leaving one employee dead after he was cooked inside a "steamer machine." The employee has been identified as 62-year-old Jose Melena, and investigators are now trying to determine just how the bizarre and tragic event occurred.

A spokeswoman for Cal-OHSA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) said it was unclear how Melena - a man who had worked at the factory for over 6 years - ended up inside the steamer device. Melena's body was found unresponsive in the machine by other employees at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. They promptly called emergency 911 and when paramedics arrived at the scene in Santa Fe Springs, they announced Melena dead upon arrival. It is unclear as to whether Melena's death occurred due to workplace safety violations.

Bumble Bee representative Pat Menke offered his condolences for Melena's tragic death, releasing this statement: "The entire Bumble Bee Foods family is saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Melena family."

Melena's son Antonio told local CBS2, "[My father] was just grateful he had a job that he could pay his bills and provide food for his family. He wanted it to be an example for us, to be honest, truthful and hard working," his son said. "And I very much remember everything from my dad."

Bumble Bee, a popular seafood canning facility, suspended operations after Melena's body was found, but should reopen Monday (Oct. 15). The investigation into Melena's death is still ongoing.