Victim's name released

The Ector County Sheriff’s Office released the name of a mechanic who was killed Wednesday morning in an industrial accident at SMC Inc. outside of Odessa.

Nelson Ty Vanzandt, 47, was pronounced dead at the machine shop at 3409 Kermit Highway after the 9:35 a.m. accident. No autopsy has been ordered according to a news release from sheriff Sgt. Debbie Bruce.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration started an investigation into the accident Tuesday. Spokeswoman Elizabeth Todd with the Department of Labor’s Dallas regional office said the investigation could take up to six months and could not release any information on the incident before their investigation is over.

Meanwhile, SMC owner Bill Murray said they were going to cover the expenses for Vanzandt’s funeral services. The business itself was still closed Thursday.

“It’s been pretty traumatic for everybody, we’re going to be hands off ’til Monday,” Murray said.

His attorney Steve Steen said the turning lathe Vanzandt was working on was about eight feet tall and 12 feet long, though the spinning part Vanzandt was working on was about six inches. Steen said Vanzandt was wearing loose clothing and the accident was “an unfortunate case of user error.”

“The machine was in fine working order,” Steen said. “There wasn’t anything wrong with the machine.”

Funeral services for Vanzandt have been set for 10 a.m. Sunday at Odessa Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Western Roses Cemetery.