TAR HEEL, NC. – A worker at the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Tar Heel, NC, died on June 12.

A company spokesperson told MEAT+POULTRY an employee experienced a medical emergency that needed immediate attention.

“CPR was performed on site but unfortunately our employee later passed away while under the care of emergency responders,” the company said. “We do not yet know the cause.”

After the death, the North Carolina Department of Occupational Safety and Health Division was notified, and Smithfield stated it would cooperate with the investigation.

“We are grateful for the members of our team who acted quickly to help a colleague in distress,” the spokesperson said. “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our co-worker.”

Officials did not release the name of the worker who died.