While Preparing for Shabbat
Tragedy in Miami: Israeli Pastry Chef Dies in Work Accident
Mordechai Grunberger, 71, was killed in a horrifying workplace accident at a kosher bakery in Florida. Police are investigating the incident as an accident, though his family notes a prior dispute at the workplace.
A horrific tragedy struck the Jewish community in South Florida this past Friday, when an Israeli pastry chef was killed in a workplace accident just hours before Shabbat.
Mordechai (Micky) Grunberger, 71, was working at a kosher bakery in Miami Beach, occupied with the pre-Shabbat rush of baking Challah bread. According to U.S. reports, Grunberger became trapped inside a massive industrial dough mixer.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. Emergency services arrived at the scene but were forced to pronounce him dead.
Gronberger had lived in Miami for at least the last 20 years and was a well-known figure in the local industry.
Yeitsi Spalter, the owner of the bakery, informed customers and community members of the event shortly after it occurred. "Our store is open, but the bakery will not be in regular operation today," Spalter stated. "Thank you for your understanding as we process this unfathomable tragedy and the shocking death of Mr. Grunberger."
Grunberger’s wife, Ina Guestman Maor, posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media: "My beloved husband Micky, the person closest to me, my best friend, and the father of my two beautiful sons, has passed away tragically. I have lost myself."
The Miami Beach Police Department has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the death. Officials stated that, at this time, there are no signs of criminal intent or foul play, and it appears to be a fatal accident.
However, speaking to Israeli news outlet Mako, the victim's son, Erez Green, mentioned interpersonal tension at the workplace. He claimed his father had been in a conflict with another employee at the bakery, noting that "loud confrontations" had occurred between the two in the past.
The family is currently making arrangements to transport Grunberger’s body to Israel for burial, in accordance with his wishes.