53-Year-Old Man Killed in Sugar Plant Accident on Holly Drive 

TRACY, CA (November 10, 2023) – Sunday evening, a workplace accident at a former Holly Sugar Plant took the life of Dean Melavic.

Around 10:20 a.m., units from the South San Joaquin County Fire responded to the plant at the 20500 block of Holly Drive. 

According to reports, a person fell into a large silo at the facility. Officials said the worker fell approximately 80 feet inside the machinery. 

Rescuers used a rope pulley system and at least sixteen personnel to extricate the man’s body from the silo. 

First responders later declared the man dead at the scene. The San Joaquin Medical Examiner later identified the deceased worker as 53-year-old Dean Melavic of Elk Grove. 

At this time, a Cal/OSHA representative is investigating the circumstances surrounding the workplace accident. The former Holly Sugar Plant is now named Spreckels Sugar Co. Inc. of the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative (SMBSC).

No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this delicate moment. Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of Dean Melavic.

It is important to have strong legal representation on your side when losing a loved one in a workplace accident. Reach out to the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet James today. With 20 years of experience in the field, we know what it takes to help you win your case. Our team understands that nothing can alleviate the emotional pain of a death of a loved one, but we can help you seek justice and compensation. Call us at 1-844-363-7713 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through email, text, and online chat.