Basic Facts

Accident date: January 8, 2026

Accident location: Farm-to-Market 1379, Midland, TX

People involved:

  • Colten Rhodes, 30

Do authorities suspect alcohol played a role in this accident?:

Did authorities recommend criminal charges?:

Do authorities suspect a product defect caused the accident?:

Accident Report

January 8, 2026, Colten Rhodes was killed following a workplace accident which took place off Farm-to-Market 1379.

According to initial details from OSHA, the incident involve Colten Rhodes was at a well pad a few miles east of Midland along FM 1379.

The nature of the accident is unclear at this time, but the OSHA report says it involve electrical contract work. The OSHA report also did not list any recommended penalties.

Investigations appear to be ongoing.

How Did This Accident Occur?

People might see “electrical” mentioned and jump to the conclusion that the victim was shocked. However, these OSHA investigations handle all kinds of incidents where a worker dies on the job. Even something unavoidable, like a medical emergency, can lead to an OSHA investigation. What’s important is making sure steps are being taken to consider all the facts. OSHA sometimes gets tunnel vision, focusing only on their own priorities. Meanwhile, families are left looking for answers, and they sometimes don’t get them until independent investigators step in to do a more thorough look at what happened. It’d be good to hear that authorities were being more open behind the scenes with this accident. It’s just not the sort of thing I’d ever take for granted.

Are there any electricians or anyone who’s out at oil and gas sites a lot that have thoughts on this story? Let me know in the comments.

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