[09-08-2025] Sacramento County, CA – 37-Year-Old Man Dies After Fainting While Working Underground at Costco Gas Station

A 37-year-old man from Berkeley died after fainting while working underground on a gas tank at a Sacramento Costco on Monday morning, September 8, 2025.

According to the Sacramento Fire Department, the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. at the Costco on Expo Boulevard. 

The man, identified by the Sacramento County Coroner as Ashkan M., was working with a third-party crew from Ponder Environmental to clean an underground holding tank. It is believed that he either passed out from the strong gas fumes or suffered a medical emergency after making his way down the tank.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found that the man was trapped in the confined space, about 10 to 15 feet below the surface. Rescue teams had to take special precautions, using supplied air, to avoid becoming victims themselves. Once rescued, Ashkan was hosed down to remove gasoline and fumes before being transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The incident is being investigated by Cal/OSHA, which is the lead agency for workplace accidents. Sacramento Fire and Hazmat teams were also involved in the investigation.

Authorities are reminding businesses to monitor air quality when working in confined spaces like fuel tanks.