First Solar employee dies after accident in Perrysberg, Ohio solar panel plant

Local news reported October 15 that a 28-year-old man in First Solar’s Perrysberg, Ohio solar panel factory died following an early-morning accident involving a hydraulic press.

WTVG Toledo, citing police records, reported that dispatchers sent EMS to the factory around 5 a.m. local time Monday, October 13, where police found Sy Doan unconscious and unresponsive to CPR. Staff there told police that Doan had entered a hydraulic press to reset it before it compressed on his chest, knocking him unconscious. A coroner’s report found Doan died of blunt force injuries to the chest with compressive asphyxia.

According to a company statement provided to news sources, First Solar is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and doing its own internal review process of how the accident occurred.

“We can confirm that an incident occurred at our manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, resulting in the death of one of our colleagues,” the company said. “We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to our associate’s family, friends, and coworkers. Out of respect for those affected and to ensure the integrity of any ongoing investigations, we are not sharing further details at this time. We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and have initiated our internal review processes. The safety and well-being of our employees is our highest priority, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe working environment across all our operations.”

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