Wisconsin pizza plant worker killed in robotic-assembly line accident; investigation underway

A West Milwaukee pizza factory worker was killed early Wednesday after being crushed by a robotic machine at Palermo’s Pizza, authorities said. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. at the company’s facility, and responders from police and fire departments rushed to the scene, but the worker died despite life-saving efforts.

The victim was identified as Robert Cherone, 45, of Elkhorn. Cherone was working at the Palermo’s plant as a bakery manager, according to the police report and shared information from Cherone’s professional profile. Police said the case remains under investigation, with assistance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office. Details on how Cherone became trapped in the machinery have not been released, and investigators have not publicly specified what safety guards or procedures were in place at the time of the accident.

Palermo’s spokesperson Rebecca Schimke offered condolences and said the company is cooperating with government officials and gathering facts as part of a full investigation. She added that Palermo’s will be supporting Cherone’s family and next of kin, and that counseling and support services would be provided to Palermo’s team during this difficult time. The company emphasized its commitment to employee safety and to transparency as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO released a statement underscoring the broader implications for workplace safety. The labor federation said the tragedy highlights the need for robust safety practices and coordinated action among workers, employers, and government agencies to ensure that every person who goes to work can return home safely at the end of the day. The group called for continued vigilance and improvements in safety standards across Wisconsin workplaces where automation and high-speed production lines are common.

Investigators from the West Milwaukee Police Department are leading the legal and procedural aspects of the case, with OSHA and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office providing support. The inquiry will focus on the circumstances leading to the apparatus activation, machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and any preceding maintenance or repair work. Officials did not release a timeline for when findings would be made public, and local authorities have urged patience as the review proceeds. Cherone’s LinkedIn profile lists him as a bakery manager, and colleagues described him as dedicated to his craft and to the safety and quality standards of the facility.

This incident adds to ongoing discussions about automation in food production and the potential risks associated with robotic systems in high-volume environments. While the full details remain pending, authorities have stressed the importance of rigorous training, machine guarding, and clear incident reporting to minimize the risk of similar tragedies. The Milwaukee area continues to monitor safety compliance across manufacturing sites as OSHA conducts its review and the medical examiner’s office completes its evaluation.

The investigation will determine whether equipment safeguards functioned as intended and whether any procedural lapses contributed to the accident. Palermo’s has indicated it will cooperate fully with authorities and provide ongoing assistance to Cherone’s family as the case progresses. A third image related to the unfolding coverage is also included to provide contextual background for readers following the developing story.