A 33-year-old distillery worker who died after being found unconscious on the ground at work Wednesday was likely electrocuted, Polk County deputies say.

  • Aaron Rowe found unresponsive at distillery, where he worked
  • OSHA to conduct independent investigation
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Aaron Rowe of Kissimmee, an employee of Florida Caribbean Distillers in Auburndale, was taken to Winter Haven Hospital, where he died just after 6 p.m.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Rowe was servicing a power supply to a conveyor belt motor and used a "lockout system" to power off the line while he worked. While working, he spliced power wires to make the proper connections, but unknown to him, the wire was still live.

Investigators determined the lockout system was connected to the wrong circuit breaker, shutting off power to a wire other than the one with which Rowe was working.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will conduct an independent investigation.