The community of Cridersville is mourning the tragic loss of 21-year-old Ayden Hadding, who died Monday morning in a devastating industrial accident at Kard Welding, located on Osterloh Road in Minster, Ohio.
The fatal incident occurred just before 7:00 a.m., according to a statement released by the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office. Ayden, a young man described by those who knew him as hardworking and full of promise, was fatally injured while on the job.
Authorities report that he was in the process of hooking up a large bridge beam to move it either through a sandblaster or from one machine to another when the beam unexpectedly shifted and fell on him.
Despite the immediate response from coworkers, the heavy machinery and noise in the plant masked the sound of the beam falling, delaying their awareness of the accident by precious moments.
A witness stated that the loud environment made it difficult to hear any unusual noises over the sound of the equipment. Workers rushed to Ayden’s side within one to two minutes of the incident, but by the time they reached him, it was tragically too late.
Emergency services were contacted immediately, but Ayden was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office conducted on-site interviews with the owners of Kard Welding and multiple employees who were present at the time of the accident.
While the investigation remains ongoing, the incident has been deemed accidental in nature. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and will be conducting a full investigation into the incident to determine if any workplace safety regulations were violated or if further safety measures should be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Ayden Hadding’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community, where he was known as a dedicated worker and kindhearted young man. Friends and family are struggling to come to terms with the sudden and heartbreaking loss. He had only just begun to build his life and career, and those who knew him say he was always eager to learn and committed to doing his job well.
Kard Welding, a local industrial business specializing in heavy-duty metal fabrication, is reportedly cooperating fully with investigators and OSHA officials. The company has expressed condolences to Ayden’s family and pledged to review its safety protocols in light of the accident.
As the community rallies around Ayden’s loved ones, support has begun to pour in from friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced soon. Meanwhile, grief counselors and support services are being made available to employees at Kard Welding who witnessed or were affected by the incident.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by workers in industrial settings and the importance of rigorous safety standards. Ayden Hadding’s life was cut far too short, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
