Chemical Reaction Suspected in Campbell Workplace Death
Shawn Bennear, 61, died at a Campbell industrial waste facility from suspected caustic chemical exposure. Police found him unconscious with chemical burns and a strong chemical odor; another worker also passed out from fumes. Investigations suggest a reaction between cut sulfuric acid and glycol released toxic gases, including 1,4-dioxane and sulfur dioxide. OSHA is investigating the incident at Belmont Solids Control LLC, which acknowledged the tragic loss and is cooperating with authorities.
Shawn Bennear, 61, died at Belmont Solids Control LLC in Campbell, Ohio, on March 7, 2026, from suspected caustic chemical exposure. Police, responding to a possible overdose, found Bennear unconscious and foaming at the mouth, with a noticeable chemical and rotten egg odor. Naloxone was administered without effect. Another employee was found disoriented by fumes, while Bennear was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, exhibiting chemical burns on his face and hands.Firefighters initially struggled to test the air due to damaged equipment, but later registered 5 ppm of hydrogen sulfide gas, significantly above safe levels. A surviving employee recounted pumping cut sulfuric acid when Bennear collapsed. This worker also experienced breathing difficulties and lost consciousness. He suspected glycol might have mixed with the acid. Investigations suggest that mixing glycol and sulfuric acid causes an exothermic reaction, releasing highly toxic gases like 1,4-dioxane and sulfur dioxide, known to cause severe respiratory trauma. Belmont Solids Control acknowledges the fatality, stating they are cooperating with investigators and OSHA, which is also probing the incident.
