Goodyear emergency responders working at the scene of a construction trench collapse, highlighting safety challenges.
Goodyear, Arizona, July 30, 2025
A construction worker died after becoming trapped in a trench in Goodyear. Despite rapid emergency response, complications complicated rescue efforts, leading to a lengthy recovery operation. The investigation by ADOSH is underway to understand safety practices following this tragic incident.
Goodyear, Arizona – A tragic incident occurred on July 29, when a construction worker died after becoming trapped in a trench. The accident unfolded on July 28 at around 1:10 p.m. at a work site located near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road.
The victim, identified as Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44, suffered the fatal collapse, which buried him under a significant amount of dirt. Emergency services from the Goodyear Fire Department responded to the scene within six minutes of the emergency call. Initial rescue efforts were met with complications due to unstable ground conditions and sensitive underground infrastructure, including utility gas lines, which hampered efforts to locate and free Baquera.
Before trained emergency responders arrived, fellow workers attempted to rescue Baquera. However, as the trench continued to collapse, emergency crews shifted their approach to a more methodical recovery operation after approximately 30 minutes of initial efforts. Police secured the site, ensuring safety for both rescuers and the surrounding area.
After enduring over 12 hours of recovery efforts, Baquera’s body was finally recovered at around 2 a.m. on July 29. The Goodyear Fire and Police Departments have since expressed their condolences to Baquera’s family, friends, and coworkers. Baquera’s family has reported feelings of shock and grief, particularly regarding the impact his tragic loss will have on his two children.
The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) has launched an investigation into the incident. Results from this investigation are expected to take four to five months to complete and be made public. An industry safety expert has commented on the tragedy, suggesting that the accident might have been prevented had there been proper training and adequate shoring equipment in place.
This incident is part of a troubling trend, as there have been at least three reported fatalities related to construction trench collapses in Arizona since 2019. Additionally, the company involved in the recovery efforts, Rubicon Companies, clarified that Baquera was not an employee nor a subcontractor of theirs.
The construction site where this tragic incident occurred is part of a developing neighborhood focused on building new single-family homes in the area. The development and safety practices will likely come under scrutiny in light of this significant workplace incident.
The Goodyear community continues to express concern over such incidents, highlighting the importance of safety legislation and training in construction environments to prevent future tragedies.
A construction worker, Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., died after being trapped in a trench during an incident at a construction site on July 28.
Initial rescue attempts faced challenges due to unstable ground conditions and the presence of sensitive underground infrastructures, such as utility gas lines.
The recovery operation lasted over 12 hours, with Baquera’s body being recovered around 2 a.m. on July 29.
ADOSH has opened an investigation into the incident, which is expected to take four to five months to conclude.
Industry experts suggest that the accident could have potentially been avoided with proper training and the necessary shoring equipment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | July 28, 2023 |
| Location | Goodyear, Arizona (183rd Ave. and Lower Buckeye Rd.) |
| Victim | Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44 years old |
| Response Time | 6 minutes |
| Duration of Recovery Operations | Over 12 hours |
| Investigation Agency | Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) |
| Expected Investigation Duration | 4 to 5 months |
| Context | Building site for new single-family homes in a developing neighborhood |
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