Overview
- The Wayne County Medical Examiner determined Nicholas Acker died of mechanical asphyxia and ruled the death an accident.
- Toxicology detected only caffeine and nicotine, with no evidence of drugs or alcohol in his system.
- Acker was found wedged between a guard rail and a conveyor at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center and was pronounced dead at 1:12 p.m.
- Firefighters said his body had been in the machine for six to eight hours before they arrived, while a separate report noted he was not found until 14 hours after his shift began.
- OSHA has an active investigation, and Acker’s family is pursuing legal action as lawmakers and union representatives press USPS for answers after prior safety grievances.