West Peoria man identified as person killed in Caterpillar foundry fire in Mapleton

A West Peoria man was identified by Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood as the person killed Thursday following a fire at the Caterpillar foundry in Mapleton.

Daulton Simmers, 28, suffered severe thermal burns all over his body and likely died within seconds of the incident, according to a preliminary autopsy performed Friday by Harwood. A toxicology report is still pending.

Simmers was pronounced dead around 5 p.m. Thursday when the Peoria County Sheriff's Office was called to the smelter along U.S. Highway 24 southwest of Peoria to respond to a fire at the smelter. Upon arrival, they confirmed both the fire and Simmers' death.

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Sheriff Chris Watkins said Friday morning that Simmers attempted to transfer molten metal from a large furnace to a smaller pot. However, the metal spread, engulfing the Simmers in fire and molten metal.

The sheriff's office and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident.

Caterpillar said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened” by Simmers' death and would cooperate with authorities throughout their investigation.

The company also indicated that advisors would be available to Mapleton smelter employees.

This is the second time in as many years that a worker has been killed at the foundry. Steven Dierkes, 39, died in June 2022 after falling into molten iron. An OSHA investigation found that Caterpillar failed to take necessary steps to prevent such an incident before Dierkes' death.

Family and friends of the Simmers have created a GoFundMe page for those looking to provide assistance. Of a $4,000 goal, $2,775 had already been raised as of Friday afternoon, with the proceeds going to his fiancée and their children.

Accident 2022: OSHA: Caterpillar failed to prevent Peoria worker's fatal fall into crucible in Mapleton, Illinois

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: West Peoria man victim of Caterpillar foundry fire in Mapleton, Illinois