Sonoma County Coroner’s Office identifies worker who died in Petaluma soap factory accident

A man killed last week while working on a mixing machine at a Petaluma soap company was identified by the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office.

Kyle Drake, 38, of Petaluma, died June 11 after getting pulled into the machine at Rogue Research where he worked, authorities said. The Copeland Street business makes soap and dietary supplements.

Drake had been mixing powders for supplements when he became caught in a mechanical part. Petaluma police and Cal-OSHA are investigating the death.

Cal-OSHA investigations typically take three to four months and involve interviewing employees, inspecting the workplace and reviewing safety records, training procedures and machinery maintenance, Cal-OSHA spokeswoman Paola Laverde said Tuesday.

Drake lived most of his life in Petaluma and was known for his creativity and his ability to design and build a variety of intriguing things, including a life-sized carnival game and a 3D printer, according to his obituary. He also was remembered for his passion for beef jerky and tri-tip.

- Randi Rossmann