OSHA Investigates Fatal Sentry Worksite Accident in Watertown, South Dakota, Involving 19-Year-Old Employee
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has confirmed it opened a serious‑injury investigation last week at Sentry, LLC in Watertown following a fatal workplace incident reported on August 20.
The inspection — listed under Inspection Number 1912868.015 — is classified as a Fat/Cat investigation, a designation used for workplace accidents involving fatalities, catastrophes, or serious injuries requiring hospitalization. OSHA has not released details about the incident, and citation information will not be available until at least 30 days after any formal notice is issued.
In a statement to Northeast Radio SD News, Tiffany Koebel, Office of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Labor, confirmed:
“We can confirm OSHA’s Sioux Falls Area Office initiated an investigation last week, but we cannot provide any other information while it is ongoing. OSHA has up to 6 months to complete the investigation. You’re welcome to check back in occasionally for status updates.”
The inspection covers Sentry’s worksite at 1928 Calvin Drive in Watertown. OSHA records show the inspection scope is complete, with a closing conference held on August 21. The case remains open.
Sentry Confirms Loss of Employee, Issues Statement
Sentry has now issued an official statement acknowledging the death of 19‑year‑old employee William Kermit Huumala, who sources close to the incident identified earlier this week. OSHA has not yet confirmed the identity.
Sentry’s full statement reads:
“Sentry is grieving the loss of William, an extremely talented, bright, and kind individual who will be deeply missed. He touched many lives here with his smile, his character, and the joy he brought into every room.
Our people are at the core of who we are, and their safety and well-being will always remain our highest priority. We do not take this loss lightly, and we are cooperating fully with OSHA’s review. Any past OSHA matters referenced were previously addressed and corrected.
This has been an extremely difficult time for William’s family, his friends, and our entire Sentry team. We are focused on supporting one another and ask the community to keep William’s family, friends, and all who are grieving this loss in their thoughts and prayers.”
About the Victim
Huumala’s obituary states he “was called to his heavenly home… due to a work‑related accident” on August 20 — the same date OSHA opened the investigation.
Born September 20, 2006, Huumala graduated from Hamlin Education Center, Watertown High School, and Lake Area Technical College. He married Chelsea Lynn Kelley on April 10, 2026, and the couple was expecting their first child in January.
His obituary notes:
“William enjoyed his work at Sentry in Watertown and touched the lives of many of his co‑workers… William’s warm smile and caring nature will be deeply missed.”
Funeral services were held August 25 at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church in Lake Norden.
Sentry’s OSHA History
Public enforcement data shows Sentry, LLC has undergone two OSHA inspections since February 2025, resulting in six violations and $28,112 in penalties on record. Half of those violations were classified as serious.
Past citations involved:
· Woodworking machinery requirements
· Personal fall protection systems
· Powered industrial trucks
· Scaffolding requirements
· Steel erection fall protection
OSHA notes that inspection records are common in regulated industries and do not, by themselves, indicate ongoing unsafe conditions.
Investigation Ongoing
OSHA has up to six months to complete its investigation. Additional details — including any citations — will be released once the agency publishes its findings.
Northeast Radio SD News will continue to follow this case and update coverage as new information becomes available.
For official OSHA records, visit OSHA.gov.
