Car Wash Employee Dies After Becoming Entrapped in Equipment: ‘When They Found Her, She Was Already Dead’

Mar. 15, 2025

Carolina Brea Franks.Photo:Facebook

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A North Carolina car wash employee died Saturday after she became trapped in machinery, according to police.

“Upon arrival, first responders located the victim, later identified as 26-year-old Carolina Franks of Buncombe County, where she had apparently become entrapped in equipment located within the car wash,” the department added. “The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Sarah Elizabeth Falanga, a spokeswoman for Zips Car Wash, said in a statement to PEOPLE that the company’s “thoughts and prayers continue to be with her family and friends, and we’ll continue to support them during this difficult time.”

“We are committed to providing a safe environment and hold employee and customer safety in the highest regard,” the statement continued. “We maintain strict operational and safety protocols with detailed employee training in place.  We continue to support local police and the North Carolina Department of Occupational Safety and Health during the ongoing investigation.”

The North Carolina Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division, which is leading the investigation, confirmed with PEOPLE that a probe into the facility has been opened, but there is no further information at this time.

Franks' grandmother Ernestine toldtheAshvilleCitizen-Timesthat Carolina wasn’t scheduled to work a shift at the car wash but filled in when another employee canceled.

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“When they found her, she was already dead,” recounted the grandmother, who had raised the victim since she was 6 years old.

InCarolina’s obituary, the 26-year-old was described as “a very cheerful and happy person.” Everyone enjoyed being around her," read the tribute, which noted her funeral is scheduled for Friday. “She was a bright light in the lives of many.”

source: people.com