The family of a fatally injured Edmonton food processing plant is seeking answers
Samir Subedi, 33, was injured in the early morning hours of March 2 at Sofina Foods at 9620 56th Ave., south of Edmonton. Headquartered in Ont. Based in Markham, the company is an international producer of meat products.
Samir Subedi died in the hospital on the day of his injury. He left behind a pregnant wife and a one-year-old daughter.
Sabyr Subedi said that his brother is a family man who cares for those around him.
“He always takes care of his parents, his family, he takes care of everyone as a friend, he always helps the community, the community.”
Sameer Subedi was born in Nepal and worked in India before coming to Canada five years ago. She completed a master’s degree in nutrition and food science at the University of Alberta and then went to work for Sofina.
According to Sabyr Subedi, the fact that more than a thousand people attended the funeral earlier this month is proof of his brother’s influence. She said her brother made friends with a lot of people because of his charming personality.
Paresh Pandey was a close friend of Sameer who had known him since the day he landed in Canada.
“He was so close to us, always smiling … and never complained or anything,” Pandey said. According to him, Samir, who is fond of sports, is well known in his community.
Pandey said that since he and his wife heard about the death, they had been trying to work and couldn’t focus on anything else. Condolence calls are pouring in from all over the world, he said.
Pandey said that much is still unknown about the circumstances surrounding Sameer’s death.
“Once EMS arrives, we know what happened,” he said. “But until then, it’s still unknown. We don’t know anything.’
Sabir Subedi said his brother was treated at the burn unit at the University of Alberta Hospital.
He said health officials told the family that the cause of death was a lack of oxygen and carbon dioxide poisoning.
“I want to make sure they do a proper investigation so we can understand what happened here,” he said.
She said she hopes no other family will ever receive the same news.
The press secretary says that the company is “sad”.
CBC News has requested more information about the death from Sofina Foods and occupational health and safety.
In a statement, an OHS spokesperson said an active investigation was launched after a worker was found injured and unconscious at the food processing plant. The worker died in the hospital,” said the press secretary.
Sofina Foods spokeswoman Shannon Denny said safety is a top priority for the company.
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of one of our team members,” Denny said in a statement Thursday.
“We have immediately launched an official investigation to understand how and why this happened and are working with the relevant authorities.
“Until the investigation is completed, it is too early to draw any conclusions,” he said.
Denny’s extends its condolences to Samir Subedi’s friends, family and community. Sofina Foods actively supports the family, he said.
Sabir Subedi said the company’s human resources department had contacted him, but had not offered any additional financial assistance to his brother’s wife and children, other than basic entitlements such as life insurance.
“They need to take care of these people so they don’t have problems in their lives.”
Denny said the company has inquired about short-term financial needs and is considering additional avenues for further financial support.