Somis, CA – A tragic accident on a local farm has left a community mourning the loss of a dedicated farm worker, Gustavo Valencia Chavez, who was killed in a tractor rollover accident on December 30, 2025. Chavez, 52, was working on an agricultural property in the 3900 block of Berylwood Road when the fatal incident occurred around 9 a.m.

According to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office, Chavez was operating the tractor when it overturned while making a turn, trapping him beneath the heavy vehicle. First responders, including personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported, but despite their best efforts, Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner confirmed that the cause of death was mechanical asphyxia, and the incident was ruled an accidental death.

Chavez, a Somis resident, had been employed in agricultural work for many years. Family members and friends have expressed their heartbreak, recalling his hard work and dedication to his job. The loss of such a beloved member of the community has left his family devastated, and the tragic circumstances of his death have raised concerns about the safety of workers in the agricultural industry.

The incident has been classified as a workplace accident, and representatives from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) are now involved in the investigation. The role of Cal/OSHA is to assess whether workplace safety regulations were followed and to identify any possible violations that may have contributed to the tragic event. Tractor rollovers are a known hazard in the agricultural sector, and authorities are working to determine whether any preventative measures could have reduced the risks involved.