A Jewish baker reportedly died while making challah, in what is believed to be a freak accident involving an industrial dough mixer.
Mordehay Grunberger, whose name was also spelled “Mordechai” and who was known to friends and family as Miki, was an experienced bread maker and pastry chef, and a long time employee of South Florida Kosher Market in Miami.
The 71-year-old became caught in an industrial dough mixer at around 4am on Friday and later died from his injuries, according to South Florida news station Local 10.
Police arrived on the scene at 11.40am and confirmed there were no signs of foul play, however Florida’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened an investigation.
Grunberger’s wife, Inna Maor, wrote on Facebook in a publicly accessible post: “Today, my beloved husband Miki, my closest person in my life my best friend, and father of my two beautiful sons, tragically passed away! I lost myself. I love him so much. He’s the love of my life!”
In another emotional post, Maor said: “Today was Miki’s funeral, but I still don’t understand? I cannot imagine life without him!
“I love him so much, I miss him and miss his hugs, 30 years together and now what? I go over our albums and flashback with all memories coming to my mind!
“You didn’t came back that horrible Friday, when all nightmare started [sic]! I have to learn how to keep going,” she added.
Yitzie Spalter, the owner of South Florida Kosher Market said in a message to customers on Friday: “To our community, we suffered an unimaginable tragedy with the shocking death of our beloved baker, Mordechai – Miki – Grunberger.
“Our store is open, but the bakery will not be at regular capacity today. Thank you for understanding while we process this tragedy.”
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