A brewery worker was killed in a forklift accident at the Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido Saturday.
The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Matthew Courtright.
Courtright was operating a forklift when, for unknown reasons, the lift rolled onto its side.
All operations and tours at the brewery were shut down Sunday due to the investigation, but reopened this morning.
The company issued the following statement:
“It is with a very heavy heart that we communicate a tragedy involving one of our valued friends and Team Stone colleagues. We are deeply saddened that one of our own passed away from complications resulting from a forklift accident at our Escondido brewery on Saturday, August 24. Our deepest condolences go out to the team member’s family. Out of respect for the team member’s loved ones, we are not releasing the individual’s name at this time.
We have launched an investigation and are working with authorities to determine the cause of the accident. In the interim, we have closed down brewing operations as well as tours of the brewery today (Sunday, August 25) and anticipate resuming all operations tomorrow (Monday, August 26).
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido will remain open as will Stone Company Store – Escondido. People expecting to take a tour of the brewery today will be offered a guided beer tasting at the bar located inside Stone Company Store.
We will refrain from commenting further until additional details and information is acquired and the investigation into this incident is complete. Thank you for the outpouring of support we have already received. Our sympathy is with the family and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
