Laramie cement worker killed in workplace accident just weeks after daughter's death

Ricardo “Rico” Padilla was 47 years old when he died on Oct. 22. The Laramie cement worker succumbed to blunt force damage to his heart and lungs following an incident at Mountain Cement. He was taken to a hospital by company staff and passed away 20 minutes later. His death followed a tragic sequence of events that included the premature birth and death of his daughter just two months prior.

Samantha Thompson, Padilla’s life partner and the mother of his son, stated that the couple had planned to make Laramie their permanent home. They had known each other for more than 20 years, meeting when Thompson was a DJ in Florida, but began dating four years ago. Padilla, who was born in Pensacola, Florida, and raised by his sister before moving to Alabama, had recently arrived in Wyoming for a steelworker position on the Project K3 modernization effort.

Thompson noted that Padilla intended to stay in Wyoming after the construction project concluded. She said he planned to transition into a permanent role as a maintenance mechanic supervisor for Mountain Cement. “He took a lot of pride in his job,” Thompson said. “He loved the company he was with.” She added that she did not want the incident to suggest the worker or the company failed to take necessary precautions.

The couple’s loss of their daughter had occurred shortly after the birth of their son in Selma, Alabama, in June 2025. The baby girl was born at 27 weeks gestation. Thompson and the infant were transported to a hospital in Fort Collins, where the daughter lived for two days. The couple named the child “Laramie” to honor the city where they intended to settle.

Albany County Coroner Sally King confirmed she is investigating the workplace death but described the case as an open investigation. She provided no further details. Erin Turbitt, a spokesperson for the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, stated that the Mine Safety and Health Administration is handling the accident investigation. Because the probe is active, the agency offered no further comment. A message left with Mountain Cement was not returned by the reporting deadline.

A funeral service for Padilla took place at Thompson’s church in Laramie on Tuesday. A large crowd of mourners attended. Thompson, who had been a stay-at-home parent since the loss of her daughter, said the community support has been substantial. She is working with a psychologist and noted that family and local services have helped the family adjust. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Thompson and her son has already exceeded its initial funding goal.

Thompson, who previously worked as an engraver, plans to seek employment using those skills. She intends to remain in Wyoming. “You’re not promised tomorrow,” she said. “You can do everything right, and still, when it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go.”