A wife has shared the tragic final moments of her husband before he was fatally injured under a burial vault, recounting the emotional voicemail he left her. Angel Anthony Rojas, an employee at Restland Funeral Home, was involved in operating machinery to handle heavy burial vaults used to protect coffins. Last week, while working in the storage yard, a 2,000-pound concrete vault fell on him, trapping him underneath.
In a distressed voicemail to his wife, Nataly Galaviz, Angel expressed his fear and desire for help before the accident occurred. The couple, who had plans to buy a home together, saw their future shattered in an instant. Nataly, speaking to CBS News, described her husband’s plea for help and expressed his wish to go home.
Upon arrival at the scene, Dallas Fire Rescue found Angel pinned under the vault, requiring over 45 minutes to free him using specialized equipment. Tragically, Angel succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead upon reaching the hospital. Known for his dedication to helping grieving families, Angel, a father to a three-year-old, took pride in his work at the funeral home.
Legal representative Matthew Graham, on behalf of the family, alleged negligence on the part of the funeral home for assigning dangerous tasks to Angel alone. The family plans to pursue legal action against Restland Funeral Home for gross negligence. Nataly emphasized that her husband followed safety protocols and should not have been left unaccompanied during such a hazardous task.
Graham urged attention to prevent similar incidents and honor Angel’s memory. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting an investigation into the matter. Efforts to reach Restland Funeral Home for comment have been made.
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